














I 






i 


♦ 








ELWELL 

ON 

AUCTION BRIDGE 



BOOKS BY J. B. ELWELL 

Published by CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 


Auction Bridge : The Principles, Rules, 
and Laws Stated, Explained, and 
Illustrated. net $1.25 


Practical Bridge: A Complete and Thorough 
Course of Instruction in the Game, with 
Over 100 Illustrative Hands . . net $1.50 

f 

Advanced Bridge: The Higher Principles of 
the Game Analyzed and Explained, and 
Their Application Illustrated by Hands 
taken from Actual Play .... net $1.50 


Bridge: Its Principles and Rules of Play 

net $1.25 


The Analysis and Complete Play of the 

Bridge Tournament Hands . ~ . net $ .60 




IT**** 










PREFACE 


In writing this book the author has taken 
it for granted that the reader has had some 
previous Bridge experience. Auction is not 
for the player who lacks a knowledge of the 
parent game. It is, of course, similar, but to 
it is added the bidding privilege. The essential 
equipment for Auction is the ability to estimate 
the value of a hand with approximate exacti¬ 
tude. Without this faculty the player is more 
or less gambling on the good looks of his cards. 
The author has endeavoured to simplify and 
illustrate these computations in the chapters on 
“Estimating the Values of Hands.” 

After thoroughly studying and testing the 
methods prevalent both here and abroad, the 
writer believes that the theories advanced in 
this book are sound and practical. He trusts 
he has made them clear to his reader. 




























CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Preface . v 

Introduction. 3 

A Description of the Game. 7 

General Principles.15 

The Opening Declaration by the Dealer, . . 20 

The Dealer’s No-trump Bid.22 

The Dealer’s Suit Bids.26 

Hearts vs. No-trump.29 

The “ One-Heart ’’Bid.30 

The “Two-Heart” Bid.33 

The “ One-Diamond ” Bid.35 

The “Two-Diamond” Bid.37 

The “One-Club’’Bid.41 

The “Two-Club” Bid.42 

The “ One-Spade ” Bid.44 

The “Two-Spade” Bid.46 

Declaration by the Second Player .... 51 

Declaration by the Third Player.62 

vii 


















Vlll 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


Declaration by the Fourth Player .... 75 

Continuation of the Bidding.79 

Estimating the Value of a Trump Hand ... 82 

Estimating the Assisting Value of a Hand . . 86 

Doubling.97 

The Play of the Opposition.106 

The Opening Lead.106 

What to Lead When the Partner Has Doubled 109 

The Spade Convention .110 

The Discard.110 

Inferences .Ill 

Bidding and Playing to the Score . . . . 115 

Three-handed Auction.118 

Illustrative Hands.120 

The Laws of the Game.140 

The Laws of Three-handed Auction .... 165 

Etiquette of Auction Bridge.168 















AUCTION BRIDGE 


fit 






























































INTRODUCTION 


Auction Bridge is an offspring of Bridge, a 
game which has been in universal favour for 
the last fifteen or more years. Auction owes its 
origin to the Russian game of Vingt, a bidding 
game played along Whist lines. 

Auction Bridge is but a few years old; some 
of the members of the Bath Club of London lay 
claim to its birth, while it has been elsewhere 
stated that its origin was in the East. The fact, 
however, remains that its popularity started in 
England, and has increased by leaps and bounds 
until to-day, in the London clubs, it is played 
almost to the exclusion of Bridge. In this coun¬ 
try it is having a similar success. Wherever 
Auction is introduced, it kills the older game 
much in the same fashion that Bridge killed 
Whist. 

It has been claimed, by some of the unbeliev¬ 
ing, that Auction is not so scientific as Bridge; 
but then the same argument was advanced when 
Bridge superseded Whist; and in neither case 
has the newer game suffered in popularity. 

It must be acknowledged that the bid at Auc¬ 
tion does, in some sense, simplify the play. It 
3 


4 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


locates high cards and suit strength; but it often 
conveys no further information than does a 
Bridge declaration. A no-trump call at Auc¬ 
tion is very apt to quell any further bidding. 

Clever play at Auction, however, counts for 
much more than it ever did at Bridge. The 
loss resulting from bad play and the gain from 
good play are so much greater at Auction than 
at Bridge. Surely, when a high Auction con¬ 
tract has been doubled, large issues depend upon 
the declarant’s manipulation of the cards; besides 
which the preliminary outline of play directed 
toward two goals, contract and game, requires 
more skilful judgment; arid clever play to gain 
extra tricks is equally potent at Bridge and at 
Auction after the contract has been fulfilled and 
the game won. 

Sound judgment and common-sense, even 
without Bridge play of the highest order, is the 
equipment of an adversary more formidable than 
the one who has the faculty of playing his cards 
perfectly and lacks judgment in the bidding ele¬ 
ment; and it is a self-evident fact that the man 
with sound business sense, who plays his cards 
in a rational manner and whose only errors are 
of the technical sort, has a greater chance at 
Auction than at Bridge—he is not so buffeted 
about by the waves of ill-luck. 

All Bridge players have experienced the hard¬ 
ship and injustice of having good hands at the 
wrong time; strong hands on the adversary’s 





INTRODUCTION 5 


deal, and worthless cards on their own. It has 
always seemed arbitrary and illogical that the 
dealing side at Bridge should have all the say; 
that so many good hands should be wasted. 
This does not occur at Auction. A good hand 
is never cast aside; it may be defeated by a bet¬ 
ter one; but each and every player at the table 
has a chance to exercise his skill and judgment 
to attain the highest score possible with each 
hand dealt him; and, in this effort, he may 
choose his course, and elect either to try for 
game or to punish an indiscrete adversary who 
has obviously over-bid. 

Again, by clever strategy and ruse, a player 
may force the opponent to an unattainable con¬ 
tract; or, perhaps, by a small sacrifice, save 
game—features which are entirely absent from 
the staid, humdrum existence of Bridge—and yet 
it is said that Auction requires less skill than 
Bridge, and that Bridge is more scientific. 

Another argument advanced against Auction 
is that the rubber takes longer to play. This 
was true when the game was first played, on the 
theory, then prevalent, that it was better to 
conceal than to show strength. Now this idea 
has been entirely abandoned and strength is 
promptly declared. The more experienced the 
player the less he over-bids and doubles. More¬ 
over, the strong hand always has the say; so 
that the average Auction rubber is now played 
quite as rapidly as the average Bridge rubber. 





6 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


When all has been said, the facts remain that 
Auction daily gathers to itself fresh recruits, 
that its early adherents become more and more 
devoted, and that it is a vastly more amusing 
and absorbing game than is its predecessor, 
Bridge. 





A DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME 


CUTTING AND DEALING 

Auction Bridge is played by four persons. 

The cutting and dealing are identical with 
Bridge. 

In cutting the ace is low; and, as between 
cards of otherwise equal value, the lowest is the 
heart, next the diamond, then the club, and the 
highest the spade. 

In cutting for partners, the two players cut¬ 
ting the highest cards play against those cutting 
the lowest. The player who cuts the lowest 
card of all is the dealer. 

THE OPENING BID 

The salient feature of divergence from Bridge 
is the declaration. The dealer cannot pass the 
make. He must make the opening bid by de¬ 
claring at least one trick at a specific trump- 
make, or at no-trump. 

THE ORDER OF BIDDING 

This starts the bidding, and gives to the player 
at the left of the dealer, and then to each con- 
7 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


secutively, according to his position at the table, 
the right to pass, to double or re-double or 
to change the previous declaration by over-bid- 
ding it. 

BIDDING 

Each player bids for the privilege of playing 
the dummy; that is, with his partner’s cards 
exposed. This advantage, therefore, is not in¬ 
cluded in the deal as at Bridge. 

The sole right to win the game rests with 
the side that makes the highest bid; but, to 
win game, the declarant must first live up to 
his contract. Should he fail to make the num¬ 
ber of tricks contracted for, neither side can 
score toward gafcne; the penalty for such failure 
is scored by the adversaries in the honour col¬ 
umn. 

A player may over-bid the previous declara¬ 
tion even if it be his partner’s bid; but he can¬ 
not change the declaration after three players in, 
succession have passed. The bid then becomes 
final, and is the one at which the hand must be 
played. 

The act of doubling, or of re-doubling, re¬ 
opens the bidding and permits any player, in¬ 
cluding the declarant or his partner, in proper 
turn, to make a further declaration of higher 
value. 

When the final declaration has been made, 
the duty of playing the dummy rests with the 



A DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME 


9 


player who has made the highest bid, and, as 
between partners, with the one who first named 
the particular declaration. 

THE BIDDING VALUE OF THE 
TRICKS 

The trick values and the honour count are 
the same as at Bridge. “One no-trump” is 
naturally a higher declaration than “one heart”; 
but, provided their values are the same, a two- 
trick bid over-calls a one-trick bid; thus “two 
diamonds” is a higher declaration than “one 
no-trump,” and “three clubs” takes precedence 
over “two diamonds.” 

A double does not affect the bidding value of 
the tricks. “Two clubs” would still hold the 
bid over a doubled heart; and “two diamonds” 
would take the bid away from a doubled “one 
no-trump.” 

THE PENALTY FOR AN UNFUL¬ 
FILLED CONTRACT 

When a player fails to make the number of 
tricks which he or his partner has agreed to 
take, neither side can score toward game; but 
the adversaries score 50 points in the honour 
column for each lacking trick; or, if the declara¬ 
tion were doubled, 100 points for each under¬ 
trick. Honours and penalties are a separate 
score and do not count toward the game. 




10 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE RUBBER 

The rubber is the best of three games. 

If the first two games decide the rubber, the 
third is not played. 

The bonus for winning a rubber is 250 points, 
instead of the 100 points scored at ordinary 
Bridge. It is by no means an uncommon oc¬ 
currence at Auction Bridge for the winners of 
the rubber to lose in points, owing to penalty 
scores which have accrued against them. 

CONVERSATION OF THE GAME 

In making a declaration, the player should 
specify both the suit and the number of tricks 
which he wishes to bid for the privilege of play¬ 
ing the dummy hand. That is, instead of say¬ 
ing, “no-trump,” he should bid “one no- 
trump”; and, instead of “hearts,” “one,” 
“two” or “three” hearts as the case may be. 

If a player has decided not to over-bid or 
double, he should avoid the expression “pass,” 
since the word is frequently mistaken for 
“hearts”; for this reason it is preferable to say 
“No,” “No more” or “I pass.” 

Doubling also is simplified by specifying the 
suit and number of tricks in question; as, “I 
double two diamonds,” rather than merely, “I 
double.” 





A DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME 


l’l 


Should a player, in bidding, fail to declare a 
sufficient number of tricks to over-bid the pre¬ 
vious declaration, he shall be considered to 
have declared the requisite number; unless an 
adversary has condoned the offence by a higher 
declaration, pass, or double. 

When an insufficient declaration has been 
made, the partner of the player in error is de¬ 
barred from making any further declaration, 
unless one of the adversaries has subsequently 
made a higher bid or doubled. 

After the final declaration has been made no 
player has the right to give his partner any in¬ 
formation as to the previous bids; but each 
player is entitled to inquire the final declaration 
at any time during the play of the hand. 

SCORING 

The trick and honour counts at Auction are 
the same as at Bridge; but game points can be 
scored only by the successful bidder; and then 
solely in the event of his having fulfilled his con¬ 
tract; although, having done so, he is privileged 
to score all additional tricks made. When the 
contract is incomplete neither side can score a 
trick toward game. 

When a player fails in his obligation, the ad¬ 
versaries score 50 points in the honour column 
for each lacking trick; and, in the event of a 
double, 100 points for each under-trick. The 






12 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


penalty for not fulfilling the contract remains 
the same, no matter what the declaration, except 
at a “one-spade” bid. 

When a player fails to fulfil his contract the 
number of tricks made deducted from the num¬ 
ber contracted for is the number lost. When he 
has bid for eight tricks and wins but five he has 
lost three tricks. 

t When a player fulfils a contract which has 
been doubled, he not only scores the tricks made 
at twice their original value, but he is also given 
a bonus of 50 points in the honour column for 
so doing; and, in case he secures more tricks 
than his contract called for, he is entitled to 50 
additional points for each extra trick made. 
When the make has been re-doubled these 
amounts are increased to 100 points. 

GAME 

A game consists of 30 points obtained by 
tricks alone. At the conclusion of a rubber, the 
trick and honour scores of each side are added; 
the winners of the rubber are credited with 250 
points; and the difference between the com¬ 
pleted scores is the point value of the rubber. 

HONOURS 

Honours are credited to the original holders 
and are scored in the same manner as at Bridge. 



A DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME 


13 


The same is true of “Slam,” “Little Slam,” 
and “Chicane.” The value of honours is not 
affected by doubling or re-doubling. 

REVOKE 

When the declarant revokes, he is not allowed 
to score a single point toward game; moreover, 
the adversaries score 150 points in the honour 
column. This, of course, in addition to any 
penalty which the declarant may have incurred 
for not having secured his contract. 

Should either of the adversaries revoke, the 
declarant has the option of taking three tricks 
from the opponents to add to his own trick 
score, or of annexing 150 points to his honour 
score. The revoke penalty may be utilized to 
make good a contract, but does not entitle the 
declarant to score a bonus when the bid has 
been doubled or re-doubled. 

When more than one revoke has been made 
during the play of a hand, the loss for each 
revoke after the first is 100 points scored in the 
honour column. 

THE SAFETY BID OF “ONE 
SPADE" 

While the penalty of 50 points for each lacking 
trick remains the same whether the declaration 
be spades or no-trumps, this rule does not ap¬ 
ply to the “one-spade” bid, for at this declara- 




14 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


tion, whether doubled or not, the declarant’s 
loss is limited to 100 points, without regard to 
the number of tricks which may be made against 
him. 

DOUBLING AND RE-DOUBLING 

A double in Auction Bridge is a contract to 
defeat the adversary’s declaration; the object 
being to score a 100-point, instead of a 50-point, 
bonus for each under-trick. In the case of a 
re-double, the doubling side scores 200 points 
for each lacking trick. 

A player may double a declaration made by 
an adversary, but he cannot double his partner’s 
bid. 

A player may re-double a declaration made 
by his partner and doubled by an adversary. 

Should a player double out of turn, the ad¬ 
versary at his left may demand a new deal. 

T tf E PENALTY FOR AN UNSUC¬ 
CESSFUL DOUBLE 

When a player, whose declaration has been 
doubled, fulfils his contract he scores, toward 
the game, the doubled value of the tricks and 
50 points in the honour column for fulfilling the 
contract; as we 1 as 50 points for each addi¬ 
tional trick made. In the case of a re-double, 
this score is increased to 100 points for the con¬ 
tract and 100 for each over-trick. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES 


The object of the bid at Auction is to obtain 
the most valuable declarations offered by the 
combined hands. The safest and surest method 
of obtaining this result is to convey, to the part¬ 
ner, accurate information as to the character of 
the hand as quickly as possible, remembering that 
Auction is essentially a game of aces and kings 
and that a bid should indicate high-card strength 
rather than numerical length. 

A red declaration should show a willingness 
to play the hand at the specified make. A 
black declaration should indicate high-card 
black strength and no-trump assistance. 

When Auction was first played, the opening 
bid was “one spade,” no matter how good the 
hand, on the theory that it is less harmful to 
deceive the partner than to show strength to 
the adversaries; the object, of course, being to 
ambush an unsuspecting opponent. 

Experience has proven, however, that the 
player who passes to hear the other bids, before 
making an attacking declaration, finds himself 
left in to play an inexpensive call; or else, while 
he is waiting for the adversaries to do something 
foolish, they win the game. 

15 


16 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


It has, therefore, become a firmly established 
Auction principle that if a player is able to 
make a valuable declaration he should do so at 
once; both to convey information and to make 
it more difficult for the adversaries to show 
their strength. This applies particularly to the 
“no-trump” call. 

With a poor hand, a player should keep as 
quiet as the proverbial mouse; proper punish¬ 
ment is usually meted out to one who boasts 
of power which he does not possess. 

With a good hand, the first goal should be to 
win the game; but the player cannot afford to 
overlook a chance to secure a heavy over-line 
score. All unusually large rubbers owe their 
magnitude to defeated contracts. 

Therefore, a good hand may be put to either 
of two uses: one, to win the game; the other 
to defeat an adversary who has obviously bid 
for more tricks than he can possibly make. 

Is it better to defeat the adverse declaration 
or to win game? Briefly, it is more important 
to win the game. In this connection, however, 
there are several considerations which should 
guide the player's decision, and these are fully 
explained in the chapter on doubling. 

The real turning point of the bid depends on 
whether or not the game is in danger. 

When the game is safe, that is, when there is 
no chance that the opponents can win it at 
their declaration, it is decidedly unsound to 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES 


17 


make a doubtful declaration simply to over-call 
an adverse bid. Allow the bid to stand; the 
adversary can do no appreciable harm, and he 
may fail to fulfil his contract. 

But when the game is at stake, that is, when 
they are likely to win it with their bid, then a 
player may take some risk; and, by the use of 
strategy and finesse, try to not allow the oppo¬ 
nents to obtain the declaration too cheaply. 
Rather bid them up to a breaking point, where 
their contract is in danger. 

This is a desperate situation demanding des¬ 
perate measures; and one which the player 
should not hesitate to meet with a sacrifice of 
a limited number of points. In this connec¬ 
tion, however, he must not go too far. A sur¬ 
render of 100 points, in other words, an over¬ 
bid of one trick to save game, is justifiable and 
sound. 

If the rubber is at stake, assuming that the 
difference between winning and losing a rubber 
is 500 points, it is safe to lose 200 points to save 
it. Should this result in ultimately winning the 
rubber, there is a gain of 300 points. 

My experience, however, is that the “flag- 
flying” partner is usually to be avoided; and 
the expedient of losing points to save game or 
rubber is suggested only to players of excep¬ 
tional skill. Unless a player is quite capable 
of judging the amount he is likely to lose, he 
will find this an expensive recourse. 





18 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Summed up the general principles are as 

follows: 

First.—That the object of the bid is to give the 
partner early and accurate information. 

Second.—That the no-trump declaration is a 
player’s best opening bid if he holds the nu¬ 
cleus of such a hand. 

Third.—That a bid of a red suit should indicate 
a willingness to play the hand with the 
specified red trump. 

Fourth.—That the bid of a black suit indicates 
strength in that particular suit as well as 
no-trump assistance. 

Fifth.—That with a poor hand a player should 
seek refuge in the safety bid of “one spade.” 

Sixth.—That the game is the goal which each 
and every player should strive to reach; 
but that an over-line score of 200 points 
is a fair compensation for not winning 
game. 

Seventh.—That 300 points above the line, gained 
by defeating the adversary’s declaration, is 
a fair return for not grasping an immediate 
and certain rubber. 

Eighth.—That when the game is in no danger 
and there is no chance of winning it, a hand 
should be under-bid rather than over-bid. 

Ninth.—That when the game is in danger, a 
hand should be over-bid rather than under¬ 
bid. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES 


19 


Tenth.—That this method may prove costly un¬ 
less used within reasonable limits. 

Eleventh.—That clever conversation based upon 
a correct valuation of the hand is just as 
important as clever play; but a combina¬ 
tion of the two spells a certain and sure 
success. 



THE OPENING DECLARATION BY 
THE DEALER 


The object of the bid at Auction is to attain 
the best paying declaration of which the two 
hands admit. 

The bid, therefore, is quite different from the 
declaration at Bridge. A declaration at Bridge 
is final; but at Auction it is often merely a sug¬ 
gestion, an effort to indicate strength in a par¬ 
ticular suit. 

There are but three declarations at which the 
game is likely to be won, viz.: No-trumps, hearts, 
and diamonds. The first two, of course, offer 
the best opportunities. The diamond, as a 
game winner, is usually reserved for a more or 
less advanced score. 

The black suits are very rarely played, and 
then only by consent of the adversaries when 
they realise that such declarations offer no 
chances for game, and are apt to be defeated. 
A black bid, which might win game, is invari¬ 
ably over-called. The black bid, therefore, 
merely indicates black strength. 

The foundation of the game is the no-trump 
call. If the dealer is not sufficiently strong to 
declare no-trump, he tries to convey such in- 
20 


OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 21 


formation as to the strength he holds as may 
enable his partner to make that bid. 

The following considerations should influence 
the dealer’s announcement: 

First.—Has he the requisite strength for a no- 
trump declaration? 

Second.—Is his red suit sufficiently strong, and 
the side strength adequate, to win game 
with ordinary assistance at a red declara¬ 
tion? 

Third.—Is he sufficiently strong in one of the 
black suits to justify a bid indicative of no- 
trump assistance? 

Fourth.—Is the long suit worth showing, in 
order to direct the partner’s lead, in case 
the opponent bids no-trump? 

To repeat, the objective point of the bid is 
the no-trump call; for the reason that it may 
win more and cannot lose more than any other. 
As in Bridge, the no-trump declaration makes 
the longest strides toward game. In Auction, 
the “one without” call has piled up advantages. 

First.—It offers the best chances for game. 
Second.—It shuts out the adversary’s “one no- 
trump” bid; and, against equal strength, 
the declarant’s greater facility in combining 
the two hands gives him a decided ad¬ 
vantage. 





22 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Third.—It forces on the opponents a “two,” 
instead of a “one” red suit call; which 
suggests probable weakness to the partner, 
and thus influences his “say.” 

Fourth.—It makes it difficult for the opponent 
to indicate black strength. 

Fifth.—It is rarely doubled; since the call is 
either difficult to defeat or the double, by 
re-opening the bidding, offers an outlet of 
escape. 

Sixth.—Above all, if the contract is broken, the 
loss is no greater than it would have been 
at an equally unsuccessful club make. The 
penalty being 50 points above the line for 
each lacking trick at whatsoever declara¬ 
tion. It may win more and cannot lose 
more. 

It is thus apparent that, with ordinary strength, 
the “one no-trump” is the most advantageous 
bid. It is by long odds the dealer’s best attack. 

THE DEALER’S NO-TRUMP BID 

It should not be assumed that, merely because 
the no-trump call offers so many advantages, a 
player should make the bid without the nucleus 
of a no-trump declaration. 

Any hand which would admit of a sound no- 
trump declaration at Bridge offers an equally 
sound no-trump call at Auction. Such a hand 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 23 


is presumably protected in three suits and worth 
at least three tricks. 

The advisability of a light no-trump declara¬ 
tion at Auction depends largely upon the strength 
or lack of strength in the black suits. This is 
a most important point; since defeated no- 
trumpers almost invariably owe their doom to 
a black suit lead. 

It is rarely ever dangerous to declare no-trump 
lacking red strength for the following reasons: 

First.—With decided red strength, the adversary 
will over-bid the no-trump declaration; 
thus displaying the danger signal. 

Second.—Should the adversary bid the red suit 
in which the dealer is weak, the partner’s 
bid of “two no-trumps,” or his pass, will 
show protection or lack of protection in 
that suit. 

Third.—With a great red suit, particularly hearts, 
the partner will over-bid a “one no-trump” 
declaration; relying on the dealer’s declared 
strength to win game. 

Fourth.—With weakness in a red suit, it is to 
be presumed that if neither adversary bids 
red, the strength in that suit is more or 
less divided; and that, in all likelihood, the 
partner holds protection in it. 

Aces are of course useful, but they are not 
essential to the no-trump bid. While the hon- 



24 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ours in Auction are scored in the same manner 
as in Bridge, their value is not in the same pro¬ 
portion because of the added worth of the rubber. 

The dealer should declare no-trump: 

First.—On all sound Bridge no-trumpers. 
Second.—On hands protected in all the suits 
with or without aces. 

Third.—On hands above average strength, pro¬ 
vided both black suits are protected and 
the hand worth at least three tricks. 

Fourth.—But no-trump should not be declared 
with a light hand when weak in the black 
suits. 

With great strength in both of the black 
suits, no-trump may be declared without pro¬ 
tection in either of the red suits; although it is 
safer to give the no-trump invitation by a strong 
black bid. 

The following hands are given as examples 
of the dealer’s “one no-trump” bid. 


2 


*74 


* J 10 7 5 

Q 10 6 4 

♦ K 9 

4 A lO 5 


K Q 8 6 
♦ Q 10 3 
A A K 7 5 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 25 


3 4 


¥ K 8 7 

■fi Q 10 9 6 
♦ K 5 

4 K J 8 6 

¥ A 5 2 

•fi A 6 3 

♦ 8 6 4 

^KQ 10 5 

5 

6_ 

¥ 7 2 

•fi A J 9 6 

♦ A 3 2 

4 A 10 7 5 

¥ 3 

A A lO 5 

+ Q 10 7 6 3 

A A J 7 4 

7 

8^ 

V K 7 5 

•fi K Q 

♦ 4 3 

A K Q 7 6 4 

¥ Q 5 

•fi A K Q x X 

4 J io 

4 A K 10 5 

9 

10 

V A Q 8 6 

* - 

♦ K Q 9 7 

4 A Q 10 7 4 

¥ 6 4 

•fi K Q 7 5 
♦ Q 1 O 5 

A K Q J 6 

u 

12 

¥ 6 

•fi K Q 10 5 

4 A K 10 7 5 

4 K J 1 O 

¥ 4 2 

•fi A J 5 3 

4 Q 8 7 6 

4K 109 




26 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE DEALER S SUIT BIDS 

As a general rule, any declaration which is 
sound at Bridge is equally sound at Auction; 
with the difference that in the latter game nu¬ 
merical strength has a greatly reduced value 
and high-card strength has a vastly increased 
value. 

When a player is unable to start with a no- 
trump bid, a suit declaration, other than a 
safety bid of “one spade,” should be prompted 
by three motives: 

First.—To indicate strength as well as length by 
a red bid. 

Second.—To indicate strength in the suit and 
no-trump assistance by a black bid. 

Third.—To suggest the partner’s lead in case 
the adversary bids no-trump. 

All red declarations should show length and 
strength; and the bid should imply some willing¬ 
ness to play the hand with the specified red 
trump. 

Any show of high-card red strength, without 
length, is apt to prove expensive, for the fol¬ 
lowing reasons: 

First.—The partner is apt to over-support the 
make, and over-bidding is costly. 





OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 27 


Second.—The dealer is frequently left in to play 
a red bid without trump length. 

Third.—If the high holding in a short red suit 
is concealed, an opponent may be tempted 
to bid that suit. 

Fourth.—While, at times, the bid may advan¬ 
tageously direct a lead, it may, on the other 
hand, clear the opponent’s suit. 

Fifth.—A red bid from high-card strength with¬ 
out length is of small informatory value to' 
the partner; since, if his hand is otherwise 
sufficiently strong, he will bid no-trump 
when weak in the red suit. 

All black declarations—other than “one 
spade”—should indicate strength in the suit bid. 
Length is valuable but not essential. 

It is more important to show black strength 
than short red strength; since the partner will 
bid no-trump lacking red strength, while he 
may hesitate to do so with an unprotected black 
suit. 

A great fault of the Auction Bridge novice is 
the tendency to indicate a long weak suit. He 
doesn’t appreciate the value of high-card 
strength; he does not realise that the bid is 
deceptive in that it leads the partner to form an 
over-estimated valuation of the combined hands; 
that it induces him to play for supposititious 
strength when the adversary’s bid is no-trumps; 
and that it suggests a lead which, in all proba- 



28 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


bility, the adversary wishes and expects. More¬ 
over that it encourages the partner to double with 
many a consequent loss of the game, to say noth¬ 
ing of the heavy fines above and below the line. 

There are two rules that should be rigorously 
followed: 

First.—Never bid a red trump with a hand worth 
fewer than four tricks. 

Second.—Never bid a black suit from length 
without strength. 

With a poor hand the dealer should endeavour 
to discourage a forward bid on the part of his 
partner; in fact, if he holds no strength worth 
mentioning, he should never hesitate to seek 
refuge in the safety bid of “one spade,” with 
or without spade strength. 

It has become an established custom to show 
some strength by a “one” trick bid, and great 
strength by a bid of “two.” The system in 
itself is sound enough, but its danger lies in the 
fact that players use it to give greater encour¬ 
agement than the strength of their hands war¬ 
rants. They will bid “two spades” with a “one- 
spade” hand, or “two clubs” when the hand 
justifies a bid of but “one” trick. 

Others go to the opposite extreme and bid 
“two” in a black suit to invite a no-trump 
declaration on the part of the partner, w T hen they 
themselves hold the no-trump hand. Too fre- 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 29 


quently they are given another opportunity to 
bid through the mistake of an adversary over¬ 
anxious to say something; but even so, the ad¬ 
vantage of the early no-trump call is lost in 
that each adversary has been allowed to show 
the other his strength. 

The “two-trick” black bid should indicate 
strength in the specified black suit, and an aver¬ 
age hand; either the established black suit or 
its equivalent in side strength. 

An average hand is one which contains an 
ace, king, queen, jack, and ten. 

HEARTS VS. NO-TRUMP 

The soundness of the old Bridge rule that “a 
safe heart is better than a doubtful no-trump,” 
is even more clearly proven at Auction. 

At hearts, but one more trick is required to 
win the game, and there is slight danger that a 
suit will be brought in against the make, as so 
frequently happens at no-trump. 

Moreover, when the partner is weak in the 
heart suit, he can more easily discourage the 
play of the hand at the initial heart declaration 
by an over-bid of clubs, diamonds or no-trump. 
Being thus amenable to warning, the heart bid 
offers the dealer a better chance to reach the 
best declaration of which the two hands are 
capable than does the more valuable no-trump 
call. 





30 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


In fact, with great strength in that suit, the 
heart should almost invariably be preferred to 
the no-trump bid. 

THE “ONE-HEART” BID 

Next to the original bid of “one no-trump,” 
the “one-heart” call naturally offers the best 
chance for game; but, unlike the bids of less 
value, it discourages rather than invites the 
partner’s no-trump bid. 

With reasonable heart strength, and either 
some high-card strength in other suits or a long 
side suit, there is always a fair chance to win the 
game at a heart declaration. 

As a rule, however, hearts should not be de¬ 
clared with a hand worth fewer than five tricks; 
although the border line may be drawn at four. 

While four tricks is the minimum number re¬ 
quired for the heart declaration, such a bid is 
not lacking in danger. The partner may justly 
assume more strength and increase the bid to 
“ two,” or even “ three,” tricks. Such a bid 
encourages the partner to increase the contract, 
and this causes the many severe losses which 
are made at Auction. 

It is always dangerous to declare hearts with 
five, or even six, including but one honour and 
lacking side strength. With five hearts and 
two honours, hearts may be declared with or 
without outside support; but these honours 




OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 31 


should consist of ace-king, king-queen, or ace- 
queen. With less valuable honours, the bid 
should be backed by suit strength. 

A bid of seven tricks with a four-trick hand, is 
certainly a risk; but it has some compensating 
advantages: 

First.—When the partner has a trickless hand 
and the contract is defeated, the adversaries 
would have won the game had they not 
allowed the bid to stand. 

Second.—When the adversaries are weak in the 
suit declared, the bid often prevents an ad¬ 
verse no-trump declaration. 

Third.—It may be the means of saving the game 
by directing the partner’s lead on the ad¬ 
versary’s no-trump declaration. 

With five hearts headed by jack or queen, the 
hand should contain at least two outside kings 
or aces. 

A player may bid “one spade” with fair red 
strength, and, after hearing the other bids, make 
a justifiable and winning red declaration. 

In Auction, the games are not won by easy 
stages. The purpose of the bid is not so much 
to win an odd trick as to reach a declaration at 
which the game may be won. A heart bid 
should therefore show a willingness to play the 
hand with the designated trump, and some 
reasonable hope to at least fulfil the contract. 



32 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


RULES FOR THE “ONE-HEART” 

B I D 

First.—Bid hearts with length and strength in 
the heart suit, and a hand worth not less 
than four tricks. 

Second.—Hearts should not be declared with 
fewer than four. The declaration implies 
a willingness to play the hand with a heart 
trump. 

Third.—Hearts may be declared with length 
alone, when the hand contains high-card 
suit strength or length in a side suit. 

Fourth.—The heart declaration, unlike any 
other suit make, discourages rather than 
encourages the partner’s no-trump bid. 

The following hands are given as examples of 

the dealer’s “one-heart” bid. 


1 


2 


y A K Q 8 7 

4 * 

+ A 5 

4 A K J 9 


V J 10 6 5 4 2 

4 3 

+ J 9 8 4 

4 A K 


3 


4 


V K Q J 7 5 
4 A 10 9 8 
4 A 3 
472 


V K Q J 8 
4 Q 10 6 4 
+ A lO 7 
4 3 2 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 33 


5 

_6_ 

1 


¥ Q J 8 7 5 

¥ K J 10 8 6 

•fi A IO 9 5 3 

+ 62 

* K 8 

♦ A 

4 4- 

+ 10 8 7 5 3 

7 

8 

— 

—— 

V A K J 9 0 

¥ Q J 10 8 7 

+ 10 8 6 4 

+ Q J 9 7 5 3 

*75 

♦ 6 

+ 6 3 

4 4- 

9 

10 


—— 

¥ A K 10 9 

¥ A Q J 9 3 

+ 72 

4 - 

*10 9 5 3 

* 7 5 4 

+ K Q 9 

+ K IO 8 6 4 

11 

12 


— 

¥ K Q 9 8 7 

¥ A K Q 8 

+ 52 

+ 64 

* A IO 6 4 

* A Q 7 5 

4 6 4 

+ 5 3 2 


THE “TWO-HEART" BID 

There is no reason for a bid of more than 
“one heart” with a generally strong hand; nor 
should a higher declaration be made with the 
command of the heart suit; for if the necessity 




34 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


arise, the bid can always be raised; neverthe¬ 
less, the “two-heart” bid is sometimes made to 
warn the partner that the hand is good for 
hearts alone and, used for this purpose, has 
some merit. It has an advantage as a pro¬ 
tective measure to save game, albeit often at 
the expense of a small score loss. 

The bid of “two hearts” shuts out the oppo¬ 
nent's tentative “one no-trump” call, and 
offers him less scope to show suit strength. 

The opponent will frequently bid “one no- 
trump” with a guarded hand containing a pro¬ 
tected honour in the heart suit, and yet one 
which would not admit of a “two no-trump” 
call. 

As the bid of “two hearts” is one that the 
player is extremely likely to retain, the dealer 
should have decided length in the heart suit to 
justify it. 

RULES FOR THE “TWO-HEART” 

B I D 

First.—A bid of “two hearts” should imply 
length in the suit and a lack of outside 
strength. 

Second.—The object of the bid is to warn the 
partner that the hand is useless except at 
this make and, incidentally, to silence the 
opponent. 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 35 


The following hands are given as examples 
of the dealer’s “two-heart” bid: 


1 2 


VKQJ9763 

¥ k 

J 10 8 7 6 

* 6 

* 7 


$ Q 10 7 5 

♦ — 

-- 

A 3 

* Q 

9 8 5 3 2 



_4 

¥ K Q 10 8 6 4 

¥ Q 

J 8 5 4 3 2 

♦ - 

A K 

J 8 7 

♦ 72 

♦ & 


A J 10 8 4 9 

* 4 


5 _ 


_6^ 

¥ Q J 10 8 7 5 

¥ J 

10 9 6 4 3 

+ 9 

*4 

2 

♦ 5 

♦ A 

K 

^ Q J 8 6 4 

♦ 6 

2 

THE “ONE-DIAMON 

D ” BID 


The suggestions offered for the “one-heart” 
bid apply in general to the “one-diamond” 
call; but, if anything, there is less reason for 
the diamond than for the heart declaration; 
since it is more difficult to win a game at dia¬ 
monds. The bid may win 6 points a trick, and 




36 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


can lose 50. The heart declaration discour¬ 
ages a no-trump make by the partner, whereas 
a diamond declaration invites that bid. 

As in Bridge, the original diamond declara¬ 
tion depends somewhat on the score. With a 
reasonably advanced score, there is no question 
as to the advisability of a good diamond make; 
but, at a love score, the bid should be indicative 
of both trump and suit strength. 

RULES FOR THE “ONE-DIAMOND” 
B I D 

First.—Bid diamonds with both strength and 
length. 

Second.—Be cautious about bidding diamonds 
with length alone. 

Third.—The original diamond declaration should 
indicate a hand worth five tricks. 

Fourth.—The original diamond make is an in¬ 
vitation to the partner to bid no-trump. 

The following hands are given as examples of 
the dealer's “one-diamond" bid: 


2 


V 6 3 

f KJ42 

+ A Q J 8 6 
4 7 2 


V 6 

4 7 

♦ K Q J lO 8 6 

4 Q 10 8 6 4 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 37 


3 


4 


¥ 7 2 

•ft 4 3 

♦ A K J 8 6 4 
^ 9 6 5 


¥ J 7 

K 10 8 2 
♦ A K lO 9 2 
4 Q 6 


5 


6 


¥ A Q 

f 6 2 

♦ K Q lO 8 6 

4ft 9 7 6 4 


¥ 5 4 3 

•ft A K 

♦ A 10 9 8 6 5 
A 7 2 


THE “TWO-DIAMOND” BID 

A hand often contains a great diamond suit 
and, at the same time, but slightly lacks the no- 
trump requirements. 

The red make offers a certain score toward 
game. The no-trumper would entail a possible 
loss. With a hand of this character, partic¬ 
ularly when the diamond suit is thoroughly 
established, a “two-diamond” bid may be made 
to suggest no-trump assistance. The strength, 
however, should be exceptional; since the call 
may force the partner to a two-trick no-trump 
over-bid. 

At a score of 12 or more, or when the game 
can be won without risk at a diamond declara¬ 
tion, it is not necessary to extend this invitation. 

The “two-diamond” bid has its chief value 



38 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


at a love score, when the no-trumper offers a 
better chance for game. 

RULES FOR THE “TWO-DIA¬ 
MOND” BID 

First.—Bid “two diamonds” with a hand con¬ 
taining a long and thoroughly established 
diamond suit, with or without other high 
cards. 

Second.—Bid “two diamonds” holding great 
diamond strength when the suit can be 
established in one lead and the hand con¬ 
tains two or more re-entry cards. 

Third.—Bid “one diamond” with a hand con¬ 
taining great diamond strength at a score of 
12 or more points. 

The following hands are given as examples of 
the dealer’s “two-diamond” bid: 


1 


2 


¥72 

^ K J lO 

♦ A K Q 8 6 5 
A O 4 7 


¥63 

•fi 8 

♦ A Q J 9 6 4 

A A K 10 7 


3 


4 


¥10 9 6 


¥64 

4* K Q J 9 
¥ A K 10 9 6 3 

* 8 


3 

♦ A K J 3 5 2 
A A K 7 



OPENING declaration by the dealer 39 


5 


6 


V A 6 

f K lO 6 4 
+ K Q J 8 6 3 


V A lO 3 
f 6 4 

+ A K J 9 7 3 

♦ Q4 


A 9 


THE DEALER'S BID HOLDING 
GREAT STRENGTH IN ONE BLACK 
SUIT AND FAIR STRENGTH IN 
ONE RED SUIT 

When a player holds a strong black suit and 
fair strength in red, he should start with a 
“two” trick black bid. With a hand of this 
nature, no-trump offers the better chance for 
game. If the partner is unable to make a no- 
trump declaration, the dealer will, in all likeli¬ 
hood, be given an opportunity to re-enter the 
bidding with the red make. 

With only fair strength in the black, and a 
strong red suit, the red suit should be first 
named. 

A strong, black declaration is more influential 
as a no-trump invitation than is a red bid. 

With a strong black suit, as well as a strong 
heart suit, hearts should invariably be preferred. 
If the partner has a no-trump hand, the game 
can be won without the risk attendant on a no- 
trump make. 

With great strength in a black suit, and de¬ 
cided strength in diamonds, it is usually better 




40 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


to start with the black bid unless the score is 
materially advanced. 

With only fair but equal strength and length 
in both the heart and diamond suits, the open¬ 
ing bid should be diamonds; since, if it is 
doubled, it can be changed to the higher dec¬ 
laration. 

With the following hands the dealer should 
start a “two” trick black bid rather than a 
“one” red call: 


2 


V K 10 6 5 3 
4 5 2 

♦ 4 

4 A K Q 6 4 


V A K 10 8 
4 A K Q 8 6 3 
♦ 52 

4 6 


3 


4 


V 6 3 

4 4 

♦ A lO 6 4 2 
4 A K 9 8 5 


V Q lO 
4 i o 

♦ K J 8 6 2 
4 A Q J 9 6 


5 


6 


V Q 10 5 3 2 

4 5 

♦ 3 

4 A K Q 4 3 2 


V lO 6 
4 8 7 
♦ A Q J 9 
4 K Q J 10 6 




OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 41 


THE “ONE-CLUB” BID 

By inference a declaration of “one club” 
shows no-trump assistance; otherwise the bid 
would have been “one spade.” 

It is palpably wrong to declare clubs simply 
because they happen to be stronger than the 
spades. 

It is also a mistake to bid a club from length 
without strength particularly when the hand is 
otherwise weak. 

With club strength and a hand that is of help 
to the partner’s no-trump declaration, the open¬ 
ing bid should be “one club.” 

While a bid of “one club” is usually equally 
indicative of length in the suit, this is not a 
necessity provided the hand contains other 
strength. It is, indeed, often good play to bid 
a club holding ace-king and one small, or ace- 
queen and one small; but, to a bid of this char¬ 
acter, some outside strength is essential. 

RULES FOR THE “ONE-CLUB” BID 

First.—Bid clubs with strength in the club suit 
and a hand which will assist a no-trump 
declaration. 

Second.—Clubs may be bid from strength with 
or without length. 

Third.—Do not be tempted to bid clubs from 
length alone. 




42 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Fourth.—Do not bid clubs merely because that 
suit is stronger than the spade suit. 

The following hands are given as examples of 
the dealer’s “one-club” bid: 


1 2 


V 6 3 

V 7 5 3 

•ft A K J 8 

JJt» Q J 10 8 6 

♦ K Q 7 

♦ A K 6 

4 9 6 4 2 

^4 2 

3 

4 

f Q 107 

V lO 6 3 

A Q 9 6 5 

•I* A K 2 

♦ 76 

♦ K Q J 

A 5 4 2 

4* 6 5 4 2 

5 

6 _ 

* 9 6 4 

V K 10 7 3 

♦ K Q 6 5 4 

4 A Q 9 6 

♦ 7 2 

♦ J' 4 2 

4 A 6 2 

*52 


THE “TWO-CLUB” BID 

The opening bid of “two clubs” should indi¬ 
cate a thoroughly established suit; but the bid 
may be made with a club suit which can be 
established in one lead, as well as one or two 





OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 43 


re-entry cards. This bid should indicate very 
strong help for a no-trump make; otherwise it 
is, if anything, harmful; since it shuts out the 
partner’s “one” red call; and, moreover, may 
be allowed to stand with no chance to win the 
contracted-for eight tricks. 

A “one-club” bid shows strength in the suit 
and answers all ordinary purposes. The “two- 
club” bid is an extreme measure to indicate very 


exceptional strength. 

EXAMPLES OF 
“ T W O - C 


¥ J 6 

+ AKQ875 

+ 10 8 4 

4 3 2 

¥ K 10 6 
4 A K J 9 8 6 
+ 10 6 

4 J 7 

5 

V 7 2 

4 A K 108532 

+ A 6 

4 5 3 


THE DEALER’S 
U B” BID 

2 _ 

¥ 9 7 

4 A Q J 6 5 4 

+ K Q 7 

4 1° 6 

4 

¥ 3 2 

4 K Q J 7 3 

+ A K 5 

4 8 7 4 

6 

¥ J 10 2 

4 A K 10 8 4 

+ 32 

4 A Q J 



44 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE “ONE-SPADE” BID 

The Auction Bridge law limits the loss on a 
“one-spade” bid to 100 points. The law ap¬ 
plies to “one spade” only; the “two-spade” bid 
forfeits this protection. “One spade” is, there¬ 
fore, the safety bid; and the best defense with a 
hand which does not admit of a “no-trump” or 
high-card suit declaration. In other words, such 
a hand as would, in Bridge, be declared spades 
on a pass. 

With a weak hand, a player should not hesi¬ 
tate to bid “one spade” with or without a spade 
in his hand. 

An original declaration of “one spade” prac¬ 
tically says, “Partner, don’t expect too much 
from me; I have no strong suit, neither have I 
sufficient scattered strength for a light no- 
trumper.” 

But it does not necessarily follow that a bid 
of “one spade” shows a worthless hand. A 
“one-spade” bid is often forced on a player with 
a hand containing as many as three tricks, not 
more; and, sometimes, with “two aces” and 
inadequate strength to bid any one particular 
suit. 

Therefore, the dealer should declare “one 
spade” on all hands containing neither particu¬ 
lar suit strength nor sufficient general protection 
for an original no-trump declaration. 




OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 45 


RULES FOR THE “ONE-SPADE” 
BID 

First.—Declare “one spade” on all weak hands 
with or without spade strength. 

Second.—Do not hesitate to declare spades when 
a longer suit lacks strength. 

The following hands are given as examples of 
the dealer’s “one-spade” bid: 


1 


2 


^873 
^ 5 3 2 


4^964 


V 10 6 2 


4 K 10 6 5 
4 10 5 4 
4 Q 8 6 4 
463 


3 


4 


4 8 5 3 

4A 7 5 

4 J 10 6 4 3 

^42 


4 A K 7 
4 6 4 2 
4 7 5 3 
4 j 7 6 4 


5 


6 


4 Q 9 8 7 3 
4*063 
4 J 4 
4 6 4 2 


V K 7 5 
•^ 6 4 3 2 
4 K J 7 5 
*75 



46 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


_7 


_8 

¥ J 6 4 2 

¥ 

10 8 6 

4 A 7 3 

4 

J 10 5' 

+ A 3 2 

♦ 

Q 

♦ 732 

4 

6 3 

9_ 


10 

^ Q 5 3 2 

¥ 

a j a 4 

♦ J 9 6 4 2 

4 

10 4 2 

$ 9 8 6 4 

♦ 

6 5 3 

4 - 

4 

K 7 5 

n 


12 

^ J 5 4 

¥ 

8 6 4 

♦ 7 6 

4 

K lO 6 

+ 9 7 5 

♦ 

6 4 3 

4 K Q 7 3 2 

4 

5 2 


THE OPENING BID OF “TWO 
S P A D E S” 

The opening bid of “two spades” indicates 
strength in the spade suit and a hand which 
would assist, yet does not in itself admit of, a 
no-trump declaration. 

This system has been almost universally 
adopted as an indication of “no-trump” assist¬ 
ance; but, when a player thus invites his part¬ 
ner to “go” no-trump, his hand should, of 
necessity, be strong in the spade suit; and the 






OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 47 


bid should show at least the equivalent of an 
established spade suit; that is, if the spade 
suit is not complete, the lacking strength 
should be supplied in other suits. This dec¬ 
laration has another object. In case the second 
player secures the bid, it suggests the partner's 
lead. 

The player should bid “two spades" holding 
a suit of five headed by ace, king, and queen, 
with or without other high suit cards. 

A bid of “two spades" should be made with 
a suit of four or more cards headed by king, 
queen, and knave, provided it is backed by an 
outside ace or even a king. The same is true 
of a hand consisting of five or more spades 
headed by ace, queen, and knave with an out¬ 
side ace or king. 

A bid of “two spades" should not be made 
with length alone; high-card strength in the 
spade suit is essential. The bid, in itself, 
should indicate strong protection in that par¬ 
ticular suit. 

There are some players who still use the “two- 
spade" bid with a hand lacking in spade 
strength; and a few who have adopted the “one- 
club" bid as an indication of no-trump assist¬ 
ance. Both systems lack soundness. 

There is no question as to the importance of 
showing great black strength as a help to the 
partner's make and as an indication of a lead 
on the adversary's bid, and a call, which is so 




48 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


helpful for these purposes, cannot have a second 
and quite contrary meaning without confusing 
the partner’s lead and damaging his chances 
for a successful bid. 

A black bid, which may or may not indicate 
strength, is also in the nature of a private con¬ 
vention, the meaning of which must be ex¬ 
plained in all fairness to both adversaries. 

A “two-spade” call which invariably indi¬ 
cates 9 ome spade strength is a logical and natural 
feature of the bid. It is informatory and not 
misleading. 


RULES FOR THE “TWO-SPADE” 

B I D 

First.—Declare “two spades” with strength in 
the spade suit and a hand which would assist 
the partner’s no-trump declaration. 

Second.—Do not declare “two spades” when 
weak in the spade suit. 

Third.—Never declare “two spades” from length 
without strength in the spade suit. 

Fourth.—A “two-spade” bid indicates a hand 
of average strength: one which contains 
either an established spade suit or some 
spade strength and the equivalent of an estab¬ 
lished suit in side cards. 

Fifth.—Do not bid “two spades” when you hold 
a no-trumper. 



OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 49 


The following hands are given as examples of 
the dealer’s “two-spade” bid: 


1 

V A Q 2 
A 7 4 
4 8 3 

4 K Q J 9 6 3 


_2_ 

V K Q 5 

* 3 

4 J 6 4 

4 A 10 9 8 6 4 


_3_ 

4 8 3 2 

4* 7 4 

i J 10 4 

4 A K Q J 4 

j5_ 

4 8 7 5 

4* 6 4 

4 A J io 
4 K Q 9 6 4 

2_ 

4 6 4 2 

4Q J io 
474 

4 A K 10 7 5 

JL 

4 K IO 6 4 

A 7 3 
4 j 10 2 

4 A Q J 4 


4 K J IO 
A 4 3 2 
♦ J 10 5 
4 A K 4 3 

A 

4 Q j 

4* 3 2 

4 A K 5 
4 Q J 10 7 4 3 

8_ 

4754 
4 » k 10 5 
4 8 7 

4 A Q 9 7 5 

10 

V- 

A 7 3 

4 K 10 7 5 3 
A A K Q 10 7 5 




AUCTION 

BRIDGE 

n. 

12 

V 7 5 3 

V 8 3 

f 64 

4* A K Q 5 

♦ A Q 5 

♦ © 

A K J 10 7 5 

♦ AQJ1075 



DECLARATION BY THE SECOND 
PLAYER 

The second player is in an excellent position, 
for, unlike the dealer, he is not compelled to 
make a declaration. 

There are three methods of procedure open 
to him. An attacking announcement to win 
game, an informatory announcement of black 
strength, which may assist the partner’s bid or 
indicate his lead, and a pass. Although his 
say depends largely upon the dealer’s opening 
bid, with the large majority of hands, his wisest 
policy is to pass. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED “ONE SPADE” 

The second player should declare “one no- 
trump” on any fully protected hand. He is in 
a still better position than is the dealer to de¬ 
clare a light no-trumper; in that the probability 
of great strength in one of the adversary’s hands 
has been eliminated and his chances for success 
are thus increased. He may reasonably assume 
that there is but one strong hand against him. 

As the “one-spade” call is not necessarily 
indicative of strength in the spade suit, spade 
strength is not essential to the second player’s 
“one no-trump” bid; but there is always more 
51 


52 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


risk attendant upon a light no-trumper when 
the weakness lies in the black suits than when 
red strength is lacking. 

It is folly to pass the dealer's “one-spade” 
bid with a very strong hand; for the reason that 
the better the hand the less the likelihood of a 
bid by the third or fourth player. 

It is also extremely important to indicate 
black strength. The second player should 
never miss this opportunity; it is not likely that 
he will be allowed another, and any information 
conveyed at the outset simplifies the partner's 
bid and play. 

With great black strength and only a fair red 
suit it is better to indicate the black suit than to 
make a red call. 

When the second player’s strength is in the 
spade suit, and he is not sufficiently strong to 
declare no-trump, he should double the “one- 
spade” bid; but a double should never be made 
with numerical strength alone. High cards are 
especially essential to a doubled spade. 

The double has a twofold object. It shows 
the partner wherein the hand will support a no- 
trump declaration, and, at the same time, indi¬ 
cates the suit to lead in case the third player 
bids no-trump. 

When the second player holds an established 
spade suit, that is, a suit headed by ace, king, 
queen, he should bid “two spades.” This bid 
is an indication of greater strength than is 
shown by a double. 




DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 53 


With a strong red suit, the second player 
should over-call the dealer’s black announce¬ 
ment; and this in preference to a doubtful no- 
trumper. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED “ONE CLUB” 

OR “TWO SPADES” 

It is evident that, without protection in the suit 
named, the second player should adopt defen¬ 
sive tactics; since his chance to win the game 
at no-trump is extremely doubtful, if not alto¬ 
gether out of the question. 

With the type of hand which would have 
justified an original “two-heart” bid, the second 
player should bid “two hearts” to shut out the 
third player’s one no-trump call. This ma¬ 
noeuvre saves many games. 

When lack of protection in the dealer’s de¬ 
clared suit has somewhat eliminated the second 
player’s chance of game at no-trump, he should 
consider whether or not he holds the requisite 
strength in a red suit to justify an attacking 
declaration. 

Any really strong red suit should of course be 
declared; but when the suit is long and strag¬ 
gling, a red bid is unsound unless the hand is 
worth at least five tricks; both adversaries may be 
strong and the partner’s hand worthless. The ten¬ 
dency to over-bid is responsible for all the heavy 
losses at Auction; and it is the aim of experi¬ 
enced players to escape, rather than invite, defeat. 





54 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


When the dealer has announced “one club” or 
“two spades,” the second player should hasten 
to indicate any decided strength in the remain¬ 
ing black suit. 

First.—Because there is a chance that his part¬ 
ner may hold protection in the dealer’s suit, 
and needs added encouragement for a no- 
trump announcement. 

Second.—Because the bid directs his partner’s 
lead in case the third hand goes no-trump; 
which, under such circumstances, is an 
extremely probable event. In fact, when¬ 
ever the third player is likely to bid no- 
trump, the second player’s best defense is 
to indicate his strong suit. 

When the dealer has announced “one club” 
and the second player has the suit twice stopped, 
he should double; not that he expects the double 
to stand, but simply to show his partner that he 
can take care of the suit. This rule applies par¬ 
ticularly when the player holds some strength 
in another suit, which might lend additional 
assistance to the partner’s no-trump bid. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN- 
NOUNCED A RED SUIT 

And the second player holds a protected hon¬ 
our in the suit declared, he should first consider 
whether or not the remaining strength of the 





DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 55 


hand justifies a no-trump bid; and his decision 
hinges largely on the state of the adverse score. 

When they are apt to win game at either red 
call, and particularly when the adverse score is 
24, the danger in allowing the adversary to play 
the hand is accentuated; and it is then that the 
player should take chances and bid his hand to 
the full limit. 

For this purpose the “one no-trump” bid has 
considerable merit. 

The partner with a strong supporting hand 
may lack protection in the declared suit and, for 
that reason, hesitate to declare no-trump. 

Again, when the fourth hand is worthless, the 
adversaries will undoubtedly raise their bid to a 
two-trick call; and the second player can then 
retire from the bidding. 

The one danger in a bid of this character is 
that the partner, with only slight assistance, 
may over-bid the third player’s “two” red call 
with “two no-trumps”; and, without adequate 
support, there is a possibility of a double with 
its consequent loss. 

When the second player holds double protec¬ 
tion in the declared suit and two other suits 
guarded, he should bid no-trump at any score; 
and in extreme cases with but one other pro¬ 
tected suit. 

With a very strong no-trump hand and no 
protection in the declared suit, he should not 
hesitate to declare no-trump; there is always a 








56 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


chance that the partner will hold protection in 
the lacking suit, besides which the dealer can 
make five, even six, tricks in his suit without 
breaking the “one” no-trump contract. 

With a moderate hand, however, and no pro¬ 
tection in the suit declared the no-trump bid is 
more dangerous. The bid conveys an erroneous 
impression to the partner and usually proves 
expensive rather than paying. 

When the second player is strong in the re¬ 
maining red suit, he should over-bid the dealer’s 
declaration provided he can reasonably expect 
to fulfil his contract or hopes to defeat the 
opponent’s increased contract. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED “ONE NO-TRUMP” 

And the second player holds a hand on which 
he would have made the same declaration, he is 
in an embarrassing position. 

There are four courses of procedure open to 
him: 

First.—He can pass; and this he should do when 
he is weak in both red suits; should he 
double, the adversaries would in all prob¬ 
ability change to a red declaration. 

With an established black suit it is obvious 
that he should pass. A double would warn the 



DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 57 


adversary to change, and a black over-bid offers 
no material gain and a great probable loss. 

Second.—He can double; and this he should 
do when he is strong in both of the red 
suits and thus equally prepared to double a 
“two” trick red bid. 

Third.—With fair strength in one of the red 
suits, he should over-call the no-trump 
declaration with a “two” red bid; this to 
tempt an opponent to make a “two no- 
trump” bid; which the second player may 
then double, and from which the adver¬ 
saries cannot escape without getting into 
deeper water. 

In this connection it is a fact that an opponent 
is more likely to call “two no-trumps” over a 
bid of “two hearts” than over a “two-diamond” 
bid; assuming of course a love score. He natu¬ 
rally argues that a diamond make cannot possi¬ 
bly win game while the heart declaration may. 

However, in attempting to increase the adver¬ 
sary’s bid with a hand containing equal length 
and approximate strength in both red suits, the 
second player should declare diamonds rather 
than hearts. There is always the danger of a 
double and, when the first declaration is doubled, 
the other suit offers a means of escape. 



58 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Fourth.—The second player can bid “two no- 
trumps” over the dealer’s “one.” This is 
an extremely doubtful measure. When one 
player bids to take seven and another con¬ 
tracts for eight of thirteen tricks, somebody 
has made a mistake. A hand sufficiently 
strong to over-bid no-trump with no-trumps 
is sure to save game; and it is far easier 
to defeat the one contract than to fulfil the 
other; the points which may be made to¬ 
ward game are in no way commensurate 
with the amount that may be lost by defeat. 
Moreover, a hand which admits of such a 
declaration must, of necessity, be suffi¬ 
ciently strong to double the opponent’s bid. 

It may occasionally pay to over-call “one no- 
trump” with a bid of “two” at a score of 12 on 
the rubber game, when, if the eight tricks are 
won, the rubber is secured. At any other stage 
this is an extremely dangerous call. 

A large number of Auction players make it a 
practise to over-bid the dealer’s “one no-trump” 
by a red call with a moderate and, very often, 
a weak hand, the sole object being to force 
an adversary to a “two no-trump” call. This 
is a mistake common to all beginners. What 
can be gained by a doubtful declaration which 
may be doubled, with a hand offering no pos¬ 
sible chance to defeat the opponent in case he 
decides to increase his contract? 



DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 59 


When the dealer has announced no-trump, 
the second player should never over-bid unless 
with a fair chance to defeat an increased ad¬ 
verse call, unless he is reasonably sure to fulfil 
his contract or unless he is willing to sacrifice a 
certain number of points in order to save game. 

FORCED DECLARATIONS 

All Auction players should learn to distinguish 
between free and forced declarations. 

A forced bid is a call which, due to a pre¬ 
vious announcement, is necessarily higher than 
would have been made as an initial declaration. 

Forced bids frequently fall to the share of the 
second player. 

A call of “two clubs” over the dealer’s “one- 
heart” declaration is an example of a forced 
bid. A declaration of “two spades” over the 
dealer’s “one club” may also be termed a 
forced bid; while any declaration after the 
dealer’s “one no-trump” call is, of necessity, 
forced. It is obvious that a player would not 
voluntarily increase his contract to “two” tricks 
if he could indicate the strength of his hand by 
a bid of “one.” 

When a player contemplates increasing his 
partner’s contract, he should differentiate be¬ 
tween the two calls, and credit a forced bid with 
no greater strength than would justify an initial 
declaration. 




60 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


RULES FOR THE SECOND 
PLAYER 

First.—Indicate black strength. There is seldom 
a second opportunity. 

Second.—Show any strong suit when the dealer 
has invited a no-trump declaration. 

Third.—Bid red with great strength—and this in 
preference to a doubtful no-trumper. 

Fourth.—Bid no-trumps with an average hand 
and a protected honour in the suit origi¬ 
nally declared. 

Examples of hands with which the second 

player should double the dealer’s “one-spade” 


bid: 


1 


2 


V K 105 

4 3 2 
♦ 75 

A Q J 9 6 


¥ Q J 5 

+ 10 4 

♦ 6 4 3 


^ A K 10 7 3 


3 


4 


¥10 8 6 

+ 642 

♦ A K 7 


¥ Q 

+ AQ 7 2 
♦ J 7 2 
+ KJ 10 7 2 


^ K Q J 7 



DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 61 


Examples of hands with which the second 
player should “call” “two” red over the 
dealer’s original no-trump declaration: 


1 


2 


^ A K Q 10 9 6 

*4 

4 6 3 

lo 9 8 3 


¥ A Q J 9 7 

^97 

$ K 10 9 7 

4j io 


4 


¥ K Q 10 8 6 5 
^74 
+ A J 8 6 

A 3 


¥ A 6 

•t* 6 3 2 

¥ K Q J 8 7 
4 A 5 4 


Examples of hands which do not justify a bid 
of “two” red over the dealer’s no-trump declara¬ 
tion: 


1 

f A Q 8 6 4 
+ 432 

♦ 9 7 4 
+ 62 

£ 

¥ Q 7 3 
4 6 4 
¥ K J 9 7 5 

* 7 5 3 


2_ 

¥ 4 3 2 
+ 975 
¥ A K J 8 
K 9 6 

£ 

¥ Q IO 7 6 4 
+ J 8 
♦ Q 6 3 
4964 




DECLARATION BY THE THIRD 
PLAYER 


By the time the bid reaches the third player, 
he has heard two decisions. His task is greatly 
simplified by the previous announcements, and 
his bid rests on the foundation of his own cards 
and his partner’s declaration, more or less weak¬ 
ened or strengthened by the second player’s say. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS DE¬ 
CLARED “ONE SPADE” 

The dealer’s “one spade” bid is, to some 
extent, a warning, It does not preclude the pos¬ 
sibility of some strength. He may hold an 
assisting hand, but he assuredly has not an 
attacking one. He holds decided strength in 
no one particular suit, nor does his hand admit 
of an original no-trump declaration. 

If the third player has a poor or a moderate 
hand, he should pass; being quite willing to 
take advantage of the protection offered by the 
limited loss of 100 points on the “one-spade” 
bid. Moreover, it is seldom that the dealer is 
left with a “one spade” declaration; the fourth 
player almost invariably makes an attacking bid 
to win game. 


62 


DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 63 


If the second player has passed, the fourth 
player is marked with considerable strength; 
therefore the third player should not chance a 
light no-trumper. His declaration should be 
one which he can win with but very moderate 
assistance. 

If the third player’s hand is but fairly strong, 
he should realise that the fourth player is likely 
to bid no-trump and that the best defensive 
measure is to suggest his strong suit and thus 
direct the partner’s lead. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS DE¬ 
CLARED “ONE CLUB” 

The third player should bid no-trumps on any 
fair hand, since his partner has announced that 
he holds a subsidiary no-trumper. In this 
situation, no-trumps should be declared with 
strength in the spade suit and protection in one 
of the red suits; or, even without spade strength, 
provided both red suits are thoroughly protected 
and neither sufficiently long to declare. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS DE¬ 
CLARED “ONE DIAMOND” 

And the third player holds a strong heart hand, 
he should naturally announce hearts, since the 
make offers a better chance for game. However 
the third player should not over-bid when he 




64 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


holds but moderate strength in hearts and can 
assist the diamond make. His decision, there¬ 
fore, depends upon his strength or lack of 
strength in the diamond suit, and upon the 
length and strength of his heart holding. 

With strength in both black suits and weak 
diamonds the third player should declare no- 
trump. This make offers a better chance for 
game and entails but little risk, since a double 
can be circumvented by a “two-diamond” bid; 
and, if the fourth player does not announce 
hearts, that suit is presumably more or less 
divided. 

When the third player is weak in the diamond 
suit, is also unable to bid no-trump, but holds 
great spade or great club strength, a suit headed 
by ace, king, and queen, he should bid “ three 
spades” or “two clubs” as the case may be. 
This serves to warn the partner of the diamond 
weakness and indicates considerable no-trump 
assistance. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED A “TWO” 

TRICK CALL 

When the dealer has announced a “two” 
trick call of spades, clubs, or diamonds at a 
love score, the third player is assured of ample 
assistance to a no-trump declaration; and should 
stretch a point to make that bid. 



DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 65 


Strength in one black and in one red suit is 
all that is really necessary, and, in extreme 
cases, a player may bid no-trump with but one 
black suit, provided it is thoroughly established. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED “ONE HEART” 

The third player should usually allow the 
declaration to stand. Any change in the make 
should be in the nature of a warning to the 
dealer that the third player is particularly weak 
in the heart suit. Even then he should not bid 
“two clubs” unless the clubs are so exception¬ 
ally strong as to decidedly help a no-trump bid, 
nor “two diamonds” unless from great strength; 
while a no-trump over-bid should imply weak 
hearts and three protected suits. If, after an 
over-call, the dealer reverts to his original bid, 
the third player should credit him with a good 
and sufficient reason and allow the dealer's 
second bid to stand. 

When the third player can assist his partner's 
heart declaration, i. e., when he holds one trump 
honour or more and a fairly strong outside 
hand, he should rarely bid no-trump. The 
contract is reasonably assured, and the heart 
declaration is a safer attempt at game. 

Any justifiable change by the third player is 
a warning of danger because of weakness in the 
heart suit, and a protective measure denoting 
considerable strength in the suit nominated. 





66 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


WHEN THE DEALER HAS AN¬ 
NOUNCED “ONE NO-TRUMP” 

With any fairly protected hand, the third 
player should allow the declaration to stand; 
but it sometimes happens that he has consider¬ 
able strength in one of the red suits and little or 
nothing else of value. With a strong heart suit, 
he should not scruple to over-call the make. A 
heart bid places the dealer in the happy position 
of being able to judge which of two makes is 
the more probable game winner. If, after being, 
informed that he can rely on heart assistance 
alone, the dealer chooses to increase the contract 
to “two no-trumps,” the third player’s bid has 
done no harm. 

The third player should bid “two hearts” 
with five to the queen, or even to the jack-ten, 
and no other face card; and, in this connection, 
the dealer should realise that the heart bid may 
have been a defensive measure to show a worth¬ 
less hand except at a heart make, and, there¬ 
fore, hesitate to over-call the third player’s bid. 

The “two-diamond” bid over a “one no- 
trump” may be used as a protective proceeding; 
but it should also be made with strength in the 
suit at a somewhat advanced score. 

At a love score the “two-diamond” bid is an 
effort to escape from a losing declaration. At 
a score of 18 or more, it may imply a strong 
diamond suit and a hope to win game. 



DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 67 


The third player's over-bid of a no-trump 
declaration hinges primarily on the fact that the 
dealer's hand is not always strong. An alterna¬ 
tive heart or, at certain scores, a diamond decla¬ 
ration with real strength is a safer effort for 
game; and, with length in a red suit and an 
otherwise worthless hand, it becomes the duty 
of the third player to sound this note of warning. 
It then remains with the dealer to weigh the 
chances and accept or ignore the third player’s 
suggestion. 

WHEN THESECOND PLAYER HAS 
OVER-BID THE DEALER’S 
RED ANNOUNCEMENT 

Heretofore, it has been assumed that the 
second player has passed, but when he has 
over-called the dealer's bid the third player has 
four elections. He may pass, support his part¬ 
ner's announcement, make one of his own, or 
double the adverse make. The strength of the 
third player's hand, in combination with his 
partner’s bid and the state of the score, naturally 
influence his say. It is frequently good play to 
pass until the dealer has had a second “say”; 
but, generally speaking, the third player should 
support the partner's bid with a hand worth, at 
the least, two tricks; and by tricks are meant 
aces and kings. Strength in the declared suit 
is not essential for this purpose. Although a 




68 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


hand that is void in a suit or one which con¬ 
tains a singleton, as well as two or more trumps, 
may be considered a valuable aid to the part¬ 
ner^ declaration. 

With two tricks, the third player should al¬ 
ways support his partner’s bid when the adver¬ 
saries are likely to win game at their make, or 
when his own score is so far advanced that 
the game may be won at the dealer’s dec¬ 
laration. 

When the adversary’s score is at love, and 
the dealer’s bid of “one heart” has been over¬ 
called by “two diamonds,” the third player 
with some diamond strength should not be too 
anxious to support the heart make; since the 
opponents are unlikely to win game at a diamond 
declaration. In fact, unless he can reasonably 
expect to win game at the heart make, he should 
pass. 

WHEN THE DEALER’S NO-TRUMP 
DECLARATION HAS BEEN OVER¬ 
CALLED BY THE SECOND PLAYER 

The third player is responsible for many Auc¬ 
tion losses. It seems to be the prevailing opin¬ 
ion that, when he holds a protected honour in 
the adversary’s declared suit, he should always 
bid “two no-trumps.” There can be no greater 
mistake, in fact, unless the score is such that 
the adversary is likely to win the game; a “two 



DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 69 


no-trump” bid requires at least one other pro¬ 
tected suit. 

When the adversaries’ score is such that they 
are not likely to win the game, and the third 
player holds no strength other than a guarded 
honour in the opponent’s suit he should pass. 

There are two situations in which the third 
player should bid “two no-trump” without pro¬ 
tection in the opponent’s suit. 

First.—When he himself holds a no-trump hand. 
Second.—When his hand contains a long and 
thoroughly established black suit. 

Such hands afford a good gambling venture. 
The adversaries are not likely to make more than 
one suit, and even that one the partner may 
protect. 

With a very strong red suit and no protection 
in the opponent’s suit, the third player should 
indicate the red strength; thus offering his part¬ 
ner the choice of the “two” red or “two no- 
trump” bid. 

A double productive of great gain occasion¬ 
ally falls to the share of the third player. The 
dealer has bid “one no-trump,” the second 
player has over-called in a red suit and it is then 
that the third player, holding decided protec¬ 
tion in the declared red suit and some outside 
strength, should double; and not increase the 
no-trump bid. An adversary has contracted to 




70 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


take eight of the thirteen tricks against two 
strong hands, and the double offers the dealer the 
selection between winning game or securing a 
heavy over-line score. 

RULES FOR THE THIRD PLAYER 

First.—Do not bid no-trumps with a weak hand 
when the dealer has declared “one spade” 
and particularly when the second player has 
passed. The fourth hand is undoubtedly 
strong. 

Second.—Endeavour at all times to take the 
dealer out of an inexpensive make—other 
than the “one-spade” bid. 

Third.—Do not fear a no-trump declaration 
merely because of weakness in a red suit. 
If an adversary holds a strong red suit he 
will give a warning of danger. 

Fourth.—Declare hearts over the dealer’s “one- 
diamond” bid with a strong heart suit and 
weak diamonds. 

Fifth.—Declare “two diamonds” over the dealer’s 
“one-heart” bid when the diamonds are 
particularly strong and the hearts excep¬ 
tionally weak. 

Sixth.—Do not declare “two diamonds” over 
“one heart” when the hand will lend some 
assistance to the heart declaration. 

Seventh.—Declare no-trump freely on any origi¬ 
nal “ two” trick call. 



DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 71 


Eighth.—Do not change the dealer’s heart bid 
to a no-trump call unless weak in hearts 
and guarded in the three remaining suits. 

Ninth.—With a particularly strong heart suit, 
declare “two hearts” over the dealer’s no- 
trump bid. 

Tenth.—With a worthless hand, except in one 
red suit, declare two red over the dealer’s 
one no-trump as a protective measure. 

Eleventh.—When the second player has bid two 
red over the dealer’s “one no-trump,” do 
not increase the no-trump contract on pro¬ 
tection in the adversary’s suit without some 
additional strength. 

Twelfth.—Bid “two no-trumps” without protec¬ 
tion in the adversary’s red suit with a good 
no-trump hand, or with a long and thor¬ 
oughly established black suit. 

Thirteenth.—When the adversary bids two red 
over the dealer’s “one no-trump” bid, 
double with real strength in the declared 
suit, particularly if this is augmented by 
high suit cards. 



72 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


HANDS WITH WHICH THE THIRD 
PLAYER SHOULD BID NO- 
TRUMP WHEN THE SECOND 
PLAYER HAS PASSED AND 
THE DEALER HAS BID 


“ ONE 
SPADE” 

“ ONE CLUB ” 

“ ONE 
DIAMOND” 

“ONE 
HEART” 

VQJ6 

4» K Q 9 6 

♦ a 

^AKJ87 

^AJ98 

4b J 2 

4 10964 

4bAQ7 

00 K 1 O 
4bAJ94 
0862 
4bK864 

0073 

4bK 1086 

4 K64 

4bAJ74 

1096 

4» A 1 O 
#KQ7 
4QJ64 

¥Q8 

4b 1 O 9 2 

4 AQ J5 

4bK 1093 

0097 

4bQ 1063 
0K1O4 

4b A Q 8 5 

00 7 

4bA 10 9 6 
0Q1O63 
4bQ J74 

V 109 8 
4bA J 10 7 

♦ aq 

^AQ92 

¥kio 

4»A J6 2 
0542 

4bK9 8 2 

00 108 7 

4* A K J 7 

4b A J 10 86 

00Q 

4»AQ9 7 

0KJ6 

4bKQ962 

f AK8 

4bK J4 
#Q72 

4b A 109 6 

0086 2 

4^Q J 

0K1O63 
4bAQ7 2 

00 J 1084 
4bKQ6 

0 1093 

4bK J 1 o 

¥- 

4b Q J 10 6 

4 a J 9 6 3 

4b K Q 107 

*62 

4bA642 
| A 106 

4b A K Q 7 5 

0092 

4b J 104 
0AKQ865 

4bK7 

00 K J 8 
4bKQJ lO 
4 J9 

4b J 108 6 

¥5 2 

4bAK7 

0K875 

4b K J 9 3 

¥KQ5 

4bK 1 O 9 8 
4 A 109 6 

4bQ J 

00AKQ 

4b 4 3 2 

062 

4bAK7 5 2 

009 54 

4bK 1084 
0KQ5 

4bQ 106 

¥ 107 

4bQ 10 9 5 
4 K6 

4b A K Q 9 5 



























DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 73 


HANDS WITH WHICH THE THIRD 
PLAYER SHOULD BID NO-TRUMP 
WHEN THE SECOND PLAYER 
HAS PASSED AND THE DEALER 
HAS BID 


“TWO 

SPADES” 

“TWO CLUBS” 

“TWO 

DIAMONDS” 

“TWO 

HEARTS” 

V 1 O 9 2 

^AKQ85 
♦ K J 9 
^J8 

¥96 

484 
♦ A K 9 8 3 
^A 10 7 6 

¥ 10 9 8 7 

4aj 10 

♦ 8 6 

4 AKJ IO 

¥ A 5 

4K43 
♦ A4 

4 A K Q 8 6 3 

f KJ7 

4Q J4 
♦ K 1073 
^985 

¥ K J 9 7 

4 J 1 O 

♦ 97 

♦ KQ 106 5 

¥ A 1 08 
4KJ7 
♦ K8 3 
49642 

¥94 

4AKQJ73 
♦ K IO 

4akq 

¥ AQ7 
^K63 
♦ 642 
^AJ62 

¥ A J 7 5 
464 
♦ 9 6 2 
4A864 

¥ A 9 5 2 
4642 
♦ 8 7 5 
4AK6 

¥- 

4KQJ9 
♦AKJ64 

4ak1 0 8 

>♦+« 

00 > * - 

£ 0 w 

00 

¥ a 1064 

4 J 7 

#8 

4AQ7432 

¥AQ7 
4K8754 
♦ 07 
4J74 

¥43 

4AQJ86 
♦ AQ IO 
4AK9 

¥K 104 

•frA J 5 

♦ Q J 8 7 6 
4106 

¥106 

41075 

♦ AQ62 

4K J86 

¥ Q 9 6 
4A964 
♦ J 8 

4K 1053 

¥8 

4kq 10 8 

♦ A J 107 
4aq 109 

¥742 
*KQ6 
♦ 10 8 6 3 
4AQ6 

¥ Q 1 0 9 

4 J642 
♦ A K7 
4543 

¥ A 10 8 6 
4*4 3 2 
♦ A8 6 
4QJ5 

¥76 

4 A K Q 6 4 
♦ K J 9 

4AJ8 
































74 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Hands with which the third player should 
over-bid his partner’s original “one no-trump” 
call: 


1 


V Q J 8 5 3 

Jf. 9 6 4 3 

4 8 7 2 

A 5 


¥ K Q 9 
+ 54 

4 K 9 7 

A 3 


7 6 3 


¥ 9 
♦ 8 
♦ Q 
A 7 


6 5 3 

2 

10 6 4 3 
2 


¥ 

♦ 

A 


6 5 4 3 

J 8 6 2 

3 


¥ A K Q J 6 3 

•fa Q 10 7 3 

4 8 6 

♦ 5 


¥ 

* 

♦ 

♦ 


Q J 

3 

5 

3 2 


9 6 4 



DECLARATION BY THE FOURTH 
PLAYER 

There are but few points peculiar to the 
fourth player’s game. Most of the suggestions 
offered for the second and third players are 
equally applicable to the fourth hand. It re¬ 
mains for him to grasp the accumulated infor¬ 
mation conveyed by the three other players and 
to found his “say” on sound inferences from 
the previous bids. 

The partner’s double of the initial spade bid, 
his “two-spade” call over the dealer’s “one 
spade,” or his one-trick suit call, shows no-trump 
assistance in the particular suit; therefore, the 
fourth player is in a favourable position to com¬ 
pute his chances for winning game. 

If the dealer has declared “one spade” and 
the others have passed, the fourth player prob¬ 
ably holds strong cards; and has only to decide 
on the best attacking announcement of which 
his hand admits to win game. 

Occasionally, however, his hand, while fairly 
good, is apparently not a game winner. In 
this case it is to his distinct advantage to allow 
the adversary to retain the black bid. They 
cannot win game at the black declaration; in 
75 


76 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


fact, they are not likely to win more than a few 
points, and, should they fail to make their con¬ 
tract, they lose 50 points for each lacking trick. 

An intermediate score on either side is of no 
great value; therefore, unless he hopes to win 
game, the fourth player should not be over¬ 
anxious to take the adversaries out of their 
difficulty. 

Besides, an announcement by the fourth 
player affords the opponent a second opportunity 
to bid, and may result in the loss of the game. 

This caution against taking the opponents out 
of a black declaration applies more particularly 
to an original bid of “two spades” or “two 
clubs,” when it is evident that the dealer’s hand 
is strong and the fourth player’s chance for 
game but slight. When he holds a really strong 
red suit he naturally should declare it. 

When the second player has over-bid the 
dealer’s “one no-trump” declaration with “two 
hearts,” and the third player has announced 
“two no-trumps,” the fourth player should al¬ 
most never raise his partner’s bid to a “three- 
heart” call. There is little chance to win nine 
tricks against two no-trump hands, one of which 
is presumably guarded in the heart suit. 

The fourth player should be able to distin¬ 
guish between his partner’s free and forced bids. 
A forced bid is an indication of a suit which, 
due to a previous declaration, is necessarily 
higher than it would have been originally. 



DECLARATION BY THE FOURTH PLAYER 77 


A “two club” declaration over an opponent’s 
“one heart” or “one diamond,” or any declara¬ 
tion over the dealer’s “one no-trump” call, is a 
forced bid. 

The fourth player should be cautious about 
increasing these contracts unless his hand con¬ 
tains ample support—at least three tricks; while 
he may raise a free bid, such as “one diamond” 
over the dealer’s spade declaration, with any 
hand worth two tricks. 

When the fourth player holds a strong suit, 
there is often a distinct reason for over-bidding 
an original no-trump declaration. The game 
may depend upon showing his partner which 
suit to lead. 

With a club suit which may be established in 
one lead, and a sure re-entry card, it frequently 
pays to direct the partner’s lead by a “three- 
club” bid. This object often also induces the 
fourth player to bid “two hearts” or “two 
diamonds,” on a hand which might not war¬ 
rant the bid were he second instead of fourth 
player. 

The following rules govern the fourth player’s 
bid: 

First.—Make any declaration which is likely to 
win game. 

Second.—Do not take an adversary out of a 
black declaration unless with a good chance 
for game. 



78 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Third.—Distinguish between free and forced 
calls, and do not increase the partner’s 
forced declaration with a hand worth fewer 
than three tricks. 

Fourth.—If the dealer has declared no-trump, 
indicate a strong suit whenever the partner’s 
lead of that suit is likely to save game. 



CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


At the completion of the preliminary round of 
bidding, the dealer’s side has either obtained the 
final declaration or the dealer is given the op¬ 
portunity to make a second bid. Assuming 
that the original declaration was sound, and 
that the dealer’s hand contained the general 
requirements for that bid, five probable tricks, 
any increased call should show that he himself 
holds additional strength. He may give his 
partner credit for one trick, but no more. He 
should not increase his own call on the possible 
strength of his partner’s hand. If he cannot 
increase the bid on the strength of his own 
hand, the dealer should pass, knowing that his 
partner will raise the call with a hand worth 
more than the one trick. 

Some of the most severe Auction losses are 
due to the fact that players over-estimate the 
trick-taking value of their own cards. They 
are attracted by the good looks of a hand, fail 
to compute its real value, and gamble on the 
partner’s cards instead of allowing him to indi¬ 
cate their worth. 


79 


80 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ESTIMATING THE VALUEOF A 
TRUMP HAND 

The trump suit has a certain value dependent 
on its strength and length. 

With a normal distribution of cards the prob¬ 
able value and loss, with each of the various 
combinations, is as follows: 



CONTINUATION OP THE BIDDING 


81 


TRUMP VALUES 


TRUMP 

COMBINATIONS 

PROBABLE 

VALUE 

% 

PROBABLE 

LOSS 

A K J x x 

4 

tricks 

1 

trick 

A K lO x x 

4 

it 

1 

it 

A K x x x 

4 

it 

1 

it 

A K Q x x 

5 

u 

0 

it 

A Q J x x 

4 

a 

1 

it 

A Q 1 O x x 

4 

a 

1 

it 

A Q x x x 

4 

a 

1 

it 

A J lO x x 

3 

it 

2 

it 

A J x x x 

3 

a 

2 

it 

A 1 O x x x 

3 

it 

2 

it 

A x x x x 

3 

it 

2 

it 

K Q J x x 

4 

a 

1 

it 

K Q lO x x 

4 

u 

1 

it 

K Q x x x 

4 

a 

1 

it 

K J lO x x 

3 

a 

2 

ti 

K J x x x 

3 

a 

2 

it 

K 

0 

X 

X 

X 

3 

a 

2 

it 

K x x x x 

3 

(C 

2 

it 

Q J lO x x 

3 

a 

2 

it 

Q J x x x 

3 

a 

2 

it 

Q 1 O x x x 

3 

u 

2 

ft 

Q x x x x 

3 

a 

2 

it 

X 

X 

X 

X 

0 

3 

a 

3 

it 

1 O X X X X X X 

5 

a 

2 

it 








82 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A 
TRUMP HAND 

A long side suit adds to the strength of a 
trump hand. The longer the suit the greater 
the worth of the hand. 

Assuming that the player will be able to ex¬ 
haust trumps and establish and bring in the 
long suit, and, provided the make is sound, he 
should count each adverse ace, king, and queen 
in a side suit a lost trick and deduce the value 
of the side suits in the following manner: 






CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


83 


PLAIN SUIT VALUES 


LONG SUIT 

PROBABLE 

VALUE 

PROBABLE 

LOSS 

A K J x 

3 tricks 

.1 

trick 

A K lO x 

3 

ii 

1 

U 

A Q J x 

3 

ii 

1 

it 

A Q x x 

3 

a 

1 

u 

A J lO x 

2 

ii 

2 

it 

A J x x 

2 

a 

2 

a 

A x x x 

2 

ii 

2 

tt 

K Q J x 

3 

a 

1 

a 

K Q lO x 

3 

a 

1 

a 

K Q x x 

3 

a 

1 

u 

K J lO x 

2 

tt 

2 

a 

K J x x 

2 

a 

2 

tt ' 

K lO x x 

2 

a 

2 

tt 

Q J x x 

2 

a 

2 

a 

Q J x x x x 

2 

a 

2 

a 

Q 10 x x 

1 

u 

3 

a 

J lO x x 

1 

it 

3 

u 

I O x x x x 

4 

u 

2 

a 

X X X X 

2 

“ 

_ 1 

3 

a 











84 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A 
TRUMP HAND 

It is true that, in the above examples, the 
cards are credited with their full worth, irre¬ 
spective of unusual distributions and of their 
value in combination with the partner’s hand. 
At times a hand falls several tricks below its 
estimated value, at others it wins several more, 
dependent on the partner’s hand and on the 
position of the opponents’ high cards. 

Therefore, it is not to be supposed that a 
player can, either invariably or definitely, gauge 
the precise value of his hand, yet the regularity 
with which hands will win the exact number of 
tricks indicated by this system shows how im¬ 
portant it is to form a preliminary estimate. 

The trick-taking value of the following hands 
has been estimated for the guidance of the 
student. (In each example the trump is heart): 




CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


85 


ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A 
TRUMP HAND 



Estimated 


Value 

Loss 

VQJ 10 8 6 

3 

2 

A A K 5 

2 

1 

4 © 4 2 

— 

3 

4109 

— 

2 


5 

8 

V A K 10 9 5 

4 

1 

A5 3 

— 

2 

4K6 

1 

1 

A 10 8 7 

2 

2 


7 

6 

f KQJ1086 

5 

1 

*7 

— 

1 


— 

1 

4010864 

3 

2 


8 

5 

f KJ 1O 8 G 

3 

2 

A 6 2 

— 

2 

♦ A 

1 

0 

4109 763 

2 

3 


6 

7 

f KQ 10 7 4 

4 

1 

A 7 4 2 

— 

3 

A K 10 9 6 

2 

2 

46 

— 

1 


6 

7 

V A KQ 8 7 

5 

_ 

A64 

— 

2 

♦ 7 

— 

1 

4 A Q 8 7 5 

4 

1 


9 

4 



Estimated 


Value 

Loss 

V Q 10 8 6 4 

3 

2 

A 6 4 

— 

2 

4 A lO 

1 

1 

410975 

1 

3 


5 

8 

V J108642 

3 

3 

A7 3 

— 

2 

4 K 7 5 

1 

2 

4 A J 

1 

1 


5 

8 

V K Q J 9 3 

4 

1 

^AK 7 2 

3 

1 

4QJ87 

2 

2 


9 

4 

V A K lO 9 

3 

1 

A 5 2 

— 

2 

4 10 9 8 5 

1 

3 

4KQ9 

2 

1 


6 

7 

VAQJ93 

4 

1 

A K 8 

1 

1 

♦ 6 

— 

1 

4K10975 

3 

2 


8 

5 

V A 1 O 8 6 4 

3 

2 

A 7 

— 

1 

4 j 9 6 4 

1 

3 

4KQJ 

2 

1 


6 

7 
























































86 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ESTIMATING THE ASSISTING 
VALUE OF A HAND 

Generally speaking, a hand worth two tricks 
is sufficiently strong to support the partner's 
declaration; but these should consist of aces, 
kings or possible trump tricks. 

When a player is entirely void in a suit and 
holds three or more trumps, he may count on 
two ruffs; a singleton and three or more trumps, 
he may safely estimate as worth one trick. 

A two-card suit and two or three trumps may 
help; but, if both adversaries are bidding this 
suit, the shortage is practically valueless, since 
the partner is apt to be equally short in the 
same suit. 

The value of trump length is also apt to be 
over-estimated. It gives the appearance of 
greater assisting power than it really possesses. 
The combined hands may contain superfluous 
trumps which the declarant would gladly ex¬ 
change for suit strength. 

In an attempt to support a declaration and 
over-bid an opponent, the player's first increase 
of contract implies a certain definite power of 
assistance; any additional over-bid should show 
strength which has not been previously indicated. 

A player may increase or support his partner's 
bid with two tricks, and re-raise once on each 
additional trick. With a three-trick hand he 




CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


87 


may twice raise the bid, and with a four-trick 
hand it may be three times increased. 

This method rarely results in an over-bid of 
more than a trick. 

The assisting values of the following hands 
has been computed for the guidance of the 
student. 



88 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ESTIMATING THE 
VALUE OF A 


ASSISTING 

HAND 


In each of the following examples the partner 
has declared hearts and an opponent has over¬ 
called : 





CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


89 


THE ASSISTING VALUE 



The 

Probable 

Tricks 

The 

Player 

Should 

¥ j 5 

— 

0) 

^K106 

1 

c 

o 

4 9 4 2 

— 


A A lO 9 7 6 

1 

.22 

o3 


2 

PS 

¥ K Q 3 

2 

<D 

o> 

A A 8 7 3 

1 

J3 go 

495 

* 

r, <X> 

^a 

A A 6 5 4 

1 

.2H 


4 

pS 

¥A9654 

1 


A 1 O 9 6 

— 

C 

4 Q 5 3 

* 

O 

CD 

♦ Q4 

* 

.22 

*3 


1 


¥ Q 6 2 

1 

o 

A A 1 o 7 6 3 

1 

& 

♦ 9 

1 

H 

A J 6 4 3 

— 

.22 

crt 


3 

PS 

¥ J 6 4 

— 


A Q 8 6 4 

* 

CO 

4 9 8 4 

— 

CO 

c3 

4 Q 6 3 

* 

0 


¥ 9 8 6 

i- 

2 

0) 

o 

& 

4 J 4 3 2 

— 

H 

AA109 732 

1 

.2 

A 




3 

ps 



The 

Probable 

Tricks 

The 

Player 

Should 

¥10 9 

A A K 8 3 

4 8 5 3 

A A K 7 3 

2 

2 

4 

Raise Three 

Times 

¥ Q 8 

A J 8 6 4 3 

♦ A 

A A 9 6 3 2 

1 

2 

1 

4 

Raise Three 

Times 

¥ J 1 O 5 

— 

a 

u 

A K 8 6 4 

1 

a 

n 

4@53 

— 

0) 

A K J 4 

1 

‘3 


2 

PS 

¥ K 1 O 3 

1 


A 1 O 8 6 

— 

or) 

4 J 9 6 2 

— 

CO 

CL 

AJ 107 

1 

MH 

¥ K J 

1 

<D 

A Q 7 2 

* 

O 

a 

a 

4 1 O 8 4 

— 

0> 

A Q 10 9 6 3 

* 

.2 

sit 


1 

PS 

¥ K J 9 5 3 

1 

4-i 

P 

A A K 

3 

3 

4 7 

A 9 8 6 4 3 

2 

6 

® s 

.2K 

PS 


* Doubtful Tricks. 


















































90 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


NO-TRUMP VALUES 

There is no known method of accurately com¬ 
puting the probable no-trump value of a hand; 
that is, not until the partner’s cards are exposed 
and, even then, the ultimate result depends upon 
the distribution of the suits; not infrequently a 
swing of five or six tricks is recorded because 
of the position of a single high card. 

It is much more difficult to decide whether or 
not a hand has sufficient strength to warrant a 
“two no-trump” bid. Even very good hands 
rarely show this value; so that this declaration 
is more or less of a gamble dependent upon the 
partner’s say and the adversaries’ bids. 

Again, there is no means of estimating the 
value of a hand as an assistance to the partner’s 
no-trump bid. It depends upon the combining 
qualities of the two hands. No rule can be 
given to guide the player to a safe “two no- 
trump” declaration when his partner’s “one no- 
trump” has been over-called by a “two” red 
bid. The call should, of course, imply a pro¬ 
tected honour in the adversary’s suit; but this 
help alone is not sufficient, since the original 
no-trump is often light. The increased con¬ 
tract should signify, in addition, at least one 
trick in another suit. 

The absolute requirements depend upon par¬ 
ticular conditions: 




CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


91 


First.—The amount of protection in the oppo¬ 
nent’s suit and the general strength of the 
hand. 

Second.—The state of the score. 

Third.—The particular red suit named. Since 
the heart declaration is more dangerous 
than the diamond. 



CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


After a player has learned to estimate the 
trick-taking value of his hand, his partner’s 
“say” should be taken into account. When the 
partner passes, thus refusing to support the bid, 
he may be given credit for one trick, but no 
more. Therefore, if his hand is worth six 
tricks, and the opponent has over-bid it with a 
“two” trick declaration and the partner has 
passed, the original declarant should realise that 
anything further he may say is in the nature of 
an over-bid—that it is dangerous to continue 
unless he is willing to sacrifice points to save 
the game. 

When the estimated value of a player’s hand 
is eight tricks, and his partner has passed, he 
may bid up to nine tricks; depending on his part¬ 
ner’s cards to the extent of one trick. This 
system, however, is applicable to trump declara¬ 
tions only. 

Generally speaking, when both adversaries 
have indicated strength by a bid, and the part¬ 
ner has either passed or made an original “one- 
spade” declaration, it is unwise to continue 
bidding. 


92 


CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


93 


When each of the four players is either bid¬ 
ding or supporting a bid, it is rarely safe to con¬ 
tract for more than eight of the thirteen tricks. 

The three-trick contracts are those most fre¬ 
quently broken. In this connection, a bid of 
“three hearts” over “two no-trumps” is de¬ 
feated about eight times out of ten. A call of 
“two no-trumps” over a red make should us¬ 
ually discourage further bidding. It is rarely 
possible to win nine tricks against no-trump 
strength, which probably includes a protected 
honour in the red suit indicated. 

There are hands with which the required 
number of tricks, and sometimes even four odd, 
may be won, but these are exceptional. 

A bid of “four diamonds” over “two no- 
trumps” is similarly inadvisable, unless the 
player is willing to assume a loss to save the 
rubber. 

As a rule, a “ two ” trick contract is a suf¬ 
ficiently heavy burden; the frequent over-strain 
is a “ three ” trick call—a contract to win nine 
of the thirteen tricks. Therefore, the desire to 
saddle the opponent with a heavy agreement 
should not lead the player to over-weight him¬ 
self with an improbable contract. 

After the preliminary round of bidding, each 
player should consider to what distance he may 
entice the opponent, without placing himself 
in danger. It is almost impossible to accur¬ 
ately determine this limit; but a knowledge of 




94 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


the opposing player’s temperament, a recollection 
of his general methods of play and capabilities 
at the game, lead to a fair estimate of the prob¬ 
abilities. 

Much of the over-bidding at Auction is due 
to ignorance of the game, combined with an 
over-sanguine disposition; but some is due to a 
commendable desire to force the adversary up, 
which is not sufficiently curbed by a full realisa¬ 
tion of the danger involved in the effort. Such 
methods are more apt to deceive the partner 
than to harm the adversary. A reckless gam¬ 
ble with poor cards has absolutely no chance of 
success at Auction. 

With increased knowledge of the game the 
bidding becomes more and more skilfully based 
upon the state of the score and the real possi¬ 
bilities of the hand. 

BIDDING “FOUR HEARTS” OVER 
“FOUR DIAMONDS” 

A somewhat peculiar distribution of cards 
that frequently happens at Auction is when 
one player and his partner have between them 
the entire heart suit, while the opponents hold 
all the diamonds; the bidding on such hands is 
always more or less spirited. The general 
strength of the hand, together with the state of 
the score, usually shows the limit of sound 
bidding; but, assuming that the player who has 





CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 


95 


been able to go to “three hearts” is over-bid 
with a “four-diamond” call, he should promptly 
bid “four hearts.” This rule will save many 
games. A bid of “four hearts” over “four 
diamonds” stops the bidding; since the oppo¬ 
nents must otherwise increase their call to “six 
odd” or a “little slam.” 

It is not to be assumed that a player should 
bid “four hearts” over “four diamonds” unless 
the “three-heart” call is sound. If this is the 
case, the bid of an extra trick is not likely to 
lose much, and it may win the game as well as 
prevent the loss of a game. 


FLA G-F LYING 

The game may frequently be kept from an 
adversary by over-bidding until he is tempted 
to double, forced to assume an impossible con¬ 
tract or obliged to pass. 

In the hands of a novice this “flag-flying” is 
a dangerous expedient. The loss on a single 
hand can be so great that the subsequent gain 
of the rubber is no fair recompense. It is a 
strategic move, which should be reserved for 
desperate situations, and which depends, for 
success, on the ability to accurately estimate the 
value of the combined hands. If the game must 
be lost, unless a player is willing to over-bid or 
sacrifice one trick, and only one, the expedient 
is not over-expensive—in fact, it is recommended. 





96 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If, later in the game, a rubber can be saved at 
no greater cost than the loss of two tricks, this 
surrender is equally warrantable. The differ¬ 
ence between winning and losing a rubber is 
500 points. The player stakes 200 points to 
win the remaining 300, with an even chance to 
secure the winning hand on the following deal. 

There can be no excuse for assuming an un¬ 
necessary loss; and just here is required the 
ability to judge whether or not the game is in 
real danger, and whether or not an attempt to 
save it would incur an excessive forfeit. 

Generally speaking, when strength is largely 
against a player, he should resign himself to the 
loss of the game or rubber; but when the dis¬ 
tribution of cards is such that the game must be 
lost if the opponent plays the hand, and can be 
saved at the limited loss suggested, there is no 
real reason why he shouldn’t indulge in “flag- 
flying.” 



DOUBLING 


It seems to be the prevailing opinion that a 
double is all in favour of the doubling side, and 
it usually takes the novice some time to disabuse 
his mind of this fallacy. In fact, increased Auc¬ 
tion experience lessens the desire to double. 

A Bridge declaration once made cannot be 
altered; an Auction double re-opens the bid¬ 
ding and permits the opponents to escape, often 
to another and less dangerous declaration. 
Therefore, strength, which would guarantee suc¬ 
cess to a Bridge double, must often be concealed 
to attain it at Auction. 

It is almost a crime, at Auction, to double the 
adversary’s “one no-trump” declaration with 
seven sure tricks in a suit. A double calls at¬ 
tention to the danger which the opponent hastens 
to avoid by a “two” red-trick bid. A player 
should likewise avoid a re-double—if he be fairly 
sure to obtain his doubled contract—when there 
is the slightest possibility that the adversary 
may escape. Too often a large score is thrown 
away by overlooking this contingency. 

At all times the player should be most careful 
not to double prematurely. In fact, it rarely 
97 


98 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


pays to double a one-trick call, no matter 
how strong the doubler’s hand; a player should 
strive rather to coax the opponent to a high 
declaration, from which there is no escape, and 
then double. 

The utmost that the doubler can gain is an 
extra 50 points for each defeated trick; while 
the double may enable the declarant to score 
his tricks at twice their original value, to thus 
win game, and, moreover, to secure a bonus of 
50 points for the fulfilled contract as well as 50 
points for each extra trick made. 

Nevertheless, doubling has its own, and a very 
important, part of the game. All of the unusually 
large scores owe their magnitude to doubled 
and defeated contracts; but these, in turn, owe 
their success to the fact that no avenue of es¬ 
cape has been left open to the declarant. 

Doubling depends largely upon the state of 
the score. A player should never make an 
uncertain double on the first game, when the 
adversary’s fulfilled contract would not, other¬ 
wise, score game. A doubtful double on the 
rubber game, when the adversary’s fulfilled con¬ 
tract cannot win the game undoubled, is so 
thoroughly and evidently unsound that con¬ 
demnation seems hardly necessary. 

A swing of 500 points hangs upon the result 
of a rubber; so large a stake that nothing short 
of an absolute certainty can justify a double 
under these conditions. 



DOUBLING 


99 


This is all changed when the undoubled con¬ 
tract, if fulfilled, must win the game. The 
double is then known as a “free double,” and 
warranted any time there is a fair chance to 
defeat the contract. 

When the adversary has reached a very high 
bid, such as “four” tricks in a red suit, and the 
fulfilled contract would win game or rubber, a 
double, with an even chance for success, is 
thoroughly sound. So high a contract may be 
largely defeated, and, if it be fulfilled, the loss 
is not apt to prove serious. The double of a 
“four” trick contract does not require trump 
strength; high suit cards combined with the 
partner’s bid alone, may carry it to success. 

In this connection, however, too great reli¬ 
ance should not be placed on strength in a long 
suit. A hand which appears strong may win 
comparatively few tricks because the declarant 
and dummy are short in different suits. 

Trump strength on the wrong side of the 
maker is likewise deceptive in appearance; it 
will undoubtedly be led through; and a double, 
in this position, is rather an aid than a menace 
to the declarant. It locates trump and suit 
strength and warns him to play the hand 
cautiously. 

Occasionally, a player is offered the happy 
choice of defeating the adversary or of playing 
for game; and it is usually a difficult selection. 
Generally, he should endeavour to win the 



100 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


game; but his decision may be influenced by 
two considerations: 

First.—Is he certain to win the game? 

Second.—How many points is he likely to score 
by defeating the adversary in lieu of making 
that game? (bearing in mind the fact that 
the side that plays the hand is also likely to 
score the honours). 

Therefore, whether it is better to win the 
game or to defeat the adversary must depend 
upon the number of points likely to be gained 
by the adversary’s defeat. 

The rubber has a fixed value. Assuming that 
the game is worth half the amount of the rubber, 
or 125 points, and that, by playing the hands, 
he will score both tricks and honours, then, if 
a greater number of points can be won than the 
value of the game or rubber—as the case may 
be—plus the difference in trick and honour 
points, it is an evident gain to defeat the adver¬ 
saries. 

A game should be taken unless a double 
would win 200 or more points, and the rubber 
should be preferred unless the double would 
score at least 300 points. 

Perhaps the most lucrative opportunity to 
double occurs when the second player bids “ two” 
in a red suit over the dealer’s “one no-trump” 
declaration, and the third player holds more than 



DOUBLING 


101 


protection in the declared red suit, such as a 
hand containing four or five trumps including 
two honours, and at least one outside trick. 
Here is the third player’s great chance to double; 
the one for which he should be constantly on 
the lookout. It means that two good hands are 
pitted against one adversary, who has con¬ 
tracted to take eight of the thirteen tricks. 

The double gives so much greater informa¬ 
tion than does a “two” no-trump call; it does not 
necessarily follow that the dealer will allow the 
double to stand. He may, on the contrary, 
bid “two no-trumps,” being glad to learn that 
his partner holds a protection in the adversary’s 
suit; but it allows him to choose between a 
heavy over-line score and an almost certain 
game. 

The double of a black call is largely confined 
to the second player. His double of a “one- 
spade,” “one-club” or, perhaps, a “two-spade” 
bid, is merely intended to show protection in the 
particular suit as well as no-trump assistance; 
and does not necessarly imply a desire that the 
double be allowed to stand. 

When the fourth player doubles the dealer’s 
black bid, the situation is somewhat different. 
He shows a willingness to play the hand at the 
doubled call and a good chance to defeat the 
contract; to be sure his object may be to frighten 
the adversary, and induce another declaration 
which he is more anxious to double. 



102 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


It is a curious fact that players generally seem 
to imagine that a double places a partner in 
extreme trouble, and that they are forced to 
come to his rescue. My experience is that they 
usually augment the danger by a call which is 
impossible of fulfilment, and certain to be dou¬ 
bled. The time to take the partner out of a 
double is when the contract for tricks can be 
reduced, rather than increased. 

When a player can escape a doubled “three- 
club” bid by a “two-hearts” call, he has at 
least contracted to win fewer tricks. When a 
“three-diamond” bid has been doubled, a “two 
no-trump” call may lessen the amount of loss; 
but it is wild, illogical reasoning which prompts 
an increase, rather than a decrease, of the con¬ 
tract. The partner should usually be allowed 
to decide this point. He can change it, if he 
choose; but he may be well satisfied with the 
double, and, perhaps, in a position to re-double. 

When the partner has doubled an adverse bid, 
and when the player lends no assistance to the 
double, he should not hesitate to take his part¬ 
ner out of it; and this is particularly advisable 
when he can make a declaration at which the 
game may be won. 

The general Auction laws do not limit the 
number of times that a declaration may be 
doubled and re-doubled; but this point is usu¬ 
ally decided by previous agreement. The laws 
of Auction, as embodied for club play, limit the 





DOUBLING 


103 


doubling feature to one double and one re¬ 
double. 

There are four particular situations which 
may warrant a double: 

First.—When the adversary has obviously over¬ 
bid his hand, and the doubler cannot win 
the game at any self-announced declara¬ 
tion. 

Second.—When the adversary must win the 
game or rubber if his undoubled contract 
be fulfilled. 

Third.—When the adversary cannot win game 
or rubber unless he wins more than the 
fulfilled and doubled contract. 

Fourth.—With strength in the adversary’s de¬ 
clared black suit; the double shows pro¬ 
tection, not necessarily a desire to play to 
defeat the particular bid. 

There are several situations which preclude a 
sound double: 

First.—On the rubber game with a doubtful 
hand. 

Second.—When the adversary’s defeat is prac¬ 
tically certain, and a double may warn him 
to make a less dangerous declaration. 

Third.—On the first or second game when the 
fulfilled contract, because of the double, 
permits the adversaries to win game. 



104 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Fourth.—With a game hand; unless, perhaps, 
the adversary’s contract can be largely de¬ 
feated—by 200 or more points. 

Fifth.—With the game, and rubber assured— 
unless a double would secure at least 300 
points. 

Successful doubling is undoubtedly the life 
of the game; it gains enough on one rubber to 
eliminate the loss of several; but success in 
doubling depends upon the ability or inability 
of the opponent to escape, upon the state of the 
score, upon whether or not the game can be 
won by the doubling side and upon the amount 
the double would gain. These decisions are, in 
turn, so contingent on careful and intelligent 
deduction, and the ability to gauge the value of 
the hand, that the subject lends itself to only 
general rules. 

RULES FOR DOUBLING 

First.—Do not double with a certainty when the 
adversary may escape. 

Second.—Do not re-double with a certainty 
when the adversary may escape. 

Third.—Never double, with a doubtful hand, 
when the increased value of the tricks 
might enable the adversary to win game 
or rubber. 



DOUBLING 


105 


Fourth.—Double when the adversaries must win 
game, if the undoubled contract be fulfilled, 
with any hand which offers more than an 
even chance for success. 

Fifth.—A heavy contract may be doubled with 
or without trump strength. 

Sixth.—Remember that a double locates high 
cards and trump strength, and may help 
the adversary to fulfil his contract. 

Seventh.—Do not double when you can win the 
rubber, unless the double would score 300 
or more points. 

Eighth.—Do not double when you can win 
game, unless the double would score 200 
or more points. 

Ninth.—Double a “one” trick black call to indi¬ 
cate strength in the suit. 

Tenth.—Do not be over-anxious to take your 
partner out of a double unless you can bet¬ 
ter the situation. Usually allow him to ex¬ 
ercise his judgment. 

Eleventh.—In taking the partner out of a 
double be extremely cautious about in¬ 
creasing the contract. 

Twelfth.—Take the partner out of his double of 
an adverse bid, when you can lend him 
no assistance and when game may be won 
at another make. 



THE PLAY OF THE OPPOSITION 


The players pitted against the declarant 
should aim at two goals. The first to save 
game, the second to defeat the adverse contract. 

The importance of saving the game needs no 
explanation; it naturally entails a knowledge of 
the score and of the ordinary Bridge methods; 
these methods are somewhat simplified by the 
dummy’s bid, and influenced by the fact that 
the lead is always up to, and never through, the 
making hand. 

Once the game is assured, the second goal, to 
defeat the contract, becomes of paramount im¬ 
portance, and should be approached by any 
available method. Single tricks are then of no 
proportionate value. A trick, worth a few 
points to the declarant, scores 50 points for 
the opponents, and a defeated contract means 
that the declarant cannot score a point toward 
game. 

In this effort Auction again lends itself to 
strategic methods and lays claim to the highest 
scientific play. 

THE OPENING LEAD 

A lead from an ace-king suit is the best open¬ 
ing. This, or any ace lead from a long suit, 
affords a view of the dummy hand, the showing 
106 


THE PLAY OF THE OPPOSITION 


107 


of which, combined with the partner’s “say,” 
suggests the most profitable subsequent play. 
A singleton opening is also gainful in propor¬ 
tion, of course, as strength in the suit may have 
been indicated by the partner or suggested by 
an adversary. In the latter event, the lead en¬ 
tails some risk against declared trump strength 
and should be made subservient to any possible 
chance to annex a suit trick. A lead of the 
partner’s declared suit is at all times a possible 
game saver, and, with a ten-ace suit, such as 
ace-queen or king-jack, offers a welcome alter¬ 
native. 

In responding to the partner’s call, the best 
of three or fewer cards should be led, the high¬ 
est of two or more cards in sequence, and the 
fourth best of four or more. 

The opening lead at no-trumps is still more 
difficult of selection. The player must decide 
between his own suit and that of his partner; 
and the choice rests upon the length and strength 
of his suit combined with the existence of, or 
lack of, re-entry, and upon the signficance of the 
partner’s bid. 


A player should lead his own suit: 

First.—When his hand contains a sure re-entry 
card and his suit can be established by one 
lead. 




108 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Second.—When the partner’s “one” red call has 
been over-bid and discontinued, and the 
leader lends no assistance to the particular 
red suit. 

A player should lead his partner’s indicated suit: 

First.—On any “two” trick red, club or spade 
call. 

Second.—Usually on a “one-club” bid. The 
call shows fair strength and a probable re¬ 
entry. 

Third.—On any “one” trick call—provided the 
leader holds strength in his partner’s de¬ 
clared suit, but with A J x or A ten x and, at 
times, with A x x, provided the declarant’s 
bid has shown protection in that suit—it 
may pay to wait until the partner can lead 
through the declarant’s hand. 

When the partner has made no announce¬ 
ment, and a player has two suits of equal length 
and approximate strength, he should select to 
lead: 

First.—A black suit, since the partner would 
have indicated great red strength, and may 
have been unable to show an established 
spade or a strong club suit. 

Second.—Having announced one he should lead 
the other, since it is evident that the adver- 



THE PLAY OF THE OPPOSITION 109 


sary, who has made the no-trump bid, is 
protected in the suit declared. 

At no-trump the long suit is not necessarily 
the best opening. When a ten-ace suit such as 
ace-queen, or ace-queen-knave, has been an¬ 
nounced, it should often be avoided until the 
lead can be made through the declarant’s hand. 

With no strong suit and a dearth of re-entry, 
a short black opening is often profitable. In 
fact, when the partner has made no announce¬ 
ment, a black suit should always be preferred. 

WHAT TO LEAD WHEN THE 
PARTNER HAS DOUBLED 

When the partner has doubled a trump decla¬ 
ration, a trump lead is rarely advisable; for the 
reason that it is always up to the strength in the 
declarant’s hand. 

The best opening leads are an ace-king, a king- 
queen suit, a long suit headed by an ace, a sin¬ 
gleton or a two-card suit. Failing these, a 
player should lead his long suit, or the one which 
his partner has declared. 

When the partner has doubled the adversary’s 
no-trump bid after the leader has shown his suit, 
he should open his own suit. 

When the partner has doubled an adverse no- 
trump declaration after his show of a suit, the 
leader should open his partner’s suit. 



110 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE SPADE CONVENTION 

The heart convention is not used at Auction. 
When a player holds sufficient heart strength 
to double an adverse no-trump call, he indi¬ 
cates it by a bid. 

When the fourth player doubles an original 
no-trump declaration without any intervening 
bids, it is evident that he holds a suit which can¬ 
not be indicated on account of the size of the 
contract. Under these circumstances a no- 
trump double calls for a spade lead. 

THE DISCARD 

The discard at Auction is from weakness. It 
is not necessary to indicate strength by a discard; 
the various bids supply the needful information. 

When the protection of a weaker suit forces 
a player to discard his long suit, it should be a 
card as high as the seven, to attract his partner’s 
attention. Such a discard, followed by a lower 
one in the same suit, is an indication of strength 
in the suit. 

When a player, after leading a suit, discards 
a high and then a lower card in another suit, it 
is an indication that he holds a re-entry card in 
the suit discarded. 






INFERENCES 


Auction is largely a game of inference. Nat¬ 
urally, most of those which help to perfect the 
play of a Bridge hand are equally serviceable 
at Auction; but the latter game supplies, by the 
bids, numberless additional hints as to the loca¬ 
tion of the high cards and suit strength. 

At the present time, Auction Bridge is compar¬ 
atively free from conventions other than an en¬ 
tirely logical show of strength. In fact, Auction 
does not so freely lend itself to rule and rote as 
do the older games of Bridge and Whist. So 
much depends upon the particular premises, and 
upon a knowledge of the individual temperament 
and methods of play, that it is impossible to 
formulate fixed rules. 

Moreover, it is evident that a player should, 
at times, vary his system. It does not pay to 
always play a methodically calculated game; 
never to risk a possible loss for the sake of a 
possible gain; never to tempt an adversary to 
blunder. These are the strategic and amusing 
by-paths of Auction. 

A good player should be credited with a reason 
for what he does. There is a motive behind 
his show of strength, which is to tempt an in- 
111 


112 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


crease of contract, to win game, or to save it by 
the sacrifice of a limited number of points. 

The opening lead is constantly directed by 
the bid, and information, more or less definite, 
should be accumulated from each say. The 
players should perpetually be on the alert to 
grasp the significance of each bid, pass, and 
double. Careful deductions from these simplify 
both the after-bid and play. 

INFERENCES FROM THE BIDS 

The original “one-spade” bid denies a strong 
suit. The strength, if any, is of the scattered sort. 

The dealer’s “one-club” bid indicates strength 
in the club suit, and a hand which is of some 
assistance to a no-trump make. Otherwise the 
hand would have called for a “one-spade” bid. 

A bid of “two spades,” clubs, or diamonds 
shows strong help for a no-trumper. 

A “two-diamond” bid shows greater strength 
than does a bid of “two clubs”; while a “two- 
club” bid usually implies greater strength than 
does a “two-spade” declaration. 

Any declaration of no-trumps, after an ad¬ 
verse bid of “two,” shows absolute protection 
in the suit named. Over a “one” trick bid 
(other than spade) such protection is probable. 

The player who bids “three” red over a 
“two” no-trump call is either exceptionally 
strong or foolishly sanguine. 



INFERENCES 


113 


The second player’s double of an original 
black bid is solely for the purpose of giving 
information. It does not imply a desire that 
the double should stand. 

When the second player passes an opening 
declaration of “one spade,” his hand is marked 
with no strong, long suit. 

When a player passes, or bids spades origi¬ 
nally, and subsequently makes a red declaration, 
he indicates length rather than strength in the 
red suit named. 

When a player bids “two diamonds” over his 
partner’s no-trump declaration, it is either a 
protective measure with a worthless hand or a 
safer chance to win game at the score. 

When a player bids no-trump over his part¬ 
ner’s heart declaration, the bid shows weakness 
in the heart suit and protection in the three 
remaining suits. 

A player’s refusal to support his partner’s bid 
is an indication of weakness—a hand that is not 
worth two tricks. It may, however, mean that 
he is satisfied with the opponent’s declaration. 

A player’s bid of “two diamonds” over his 
partner’s “one heart” is a warning of weak¬ 
ness in the heart suit. 

The poverty of a player’s hand is clearly 
shown by his refusal to bid no-trump on his 
partner’s “two-spade” or “two-club” invitation. 

A bid of “two hearts” over the partner’s 
“one no-trump” call is an indication of great 



114 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


heart strength or shows an otherwise worth¬ 
less hand. 

A no-trump call over the partner’s “one- 
spade” bid shows a strong and well-protected 
hand. 

When both adversaries are bidding and the 
partner has passed, adverse strength is indicated 
and it is more or less dangerous to continue the 
bidding. 

When all four players are either bidding or 
supporting a bid, it is an indication that the 
strength is divided. 



BIDDING AND PLAYING TO THE 
SCORE 


Bidding to the score at Auction is confined to 
the three valuable declarations, viz.: no-trumps, 
hearts, and diamonds. The black makes offer 
little or no chance, since if the game is within 
striking distance the adversary will over-bid a 
black call. 

The diamond declaration at a score of 18 or 
more, or a heart declaration at 16 or over, is 
often a suggestion at the particular score, and 
for this purpose should be given preference over 
a doubtful no-trump bid. 

When the adversary needs but one, or possi¬ 
bly two, tricks to win game, declarations are 
often made to the score, prompted by a desire 
that the opponent shall not obtain the contract 
too cheaply. 

All of these bids should be distinguished from 
those made at less dangerous scores, and sup¬ 
port should be more cautiously tendered. 

It is at this time, however, that strategic and 
clever bidding, based on a knowledge of the pos¬ 
sibilities of the two hands, reaps its highest re¬ 
ward. A player must know just how far to go in 
the bidding without getting himself in too deeply 
115 


116 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


and, if his effort is to save the game by a sacri¬ 
fice of points, he must be able to reckon his prob¬ 
able loss with some degree of exactitude. 

PLAYING TO THE SCORE 

As soon as the dummy is exposed the decla¬ 
rant should estimate the worth of the combined 
hands and form a definite plan of campaign. 

He should be familiar with the various bids, 
and able to deduce correct inferences as to the 
location of suit strength and high cards. He 
should know when, and when not, to finesse, 
dependent upon the number of tricks which are 
needful both to win game and to fulfil his con¬ 
tract. 

The declarants one and all-absorbing aim 
should be to win game. It is only when the 
game is impossible that his every effort should 
be directed toward fulfilling his contract. 
When the contract also is beyond his reach, 
he should endeavour to limit the penalty loss 
to the smallest possible amount. 

The practice of endangering a contract by 
trying for extra tricks, when there is no chance 
for game, cannot be too harshly criticised. 
There are long odds against the risk of a heavy 
contract penalty for a small trick gain. It is also 
better to accept a small loss than to make a wild 
play for the contract which may double or treble 
the punishment. 





BIDDING AND PLAYING TO THE SCORE 117 


There are a number of particular conditions 
which should direct the declarant's play; the 
most important of these is when the dealer's 
finesse stands to win rubber or lose the contract 
by a trick, according to its outcome; provided 
the finesse is an even chance, and the declara¬ 
tion has not been doubled, the player should 
strive to win rubber even at the risk of losing 
50 points and the value of the contract. The 
total possible loss cannot exceed 74 points, as 
against a trick which may secure the rubber 
bonus of 250 points. 





THREE-HANDED AUCTION 


The three-handed game is an extremely amus¬ 
ing form of Auction Bridge. Many players 
prefer it to the regular game. Its defect lies in 
the fact that it is largely a gamble for good cards, 
which may or may not be in the concealed hand. 

Each of the three players is pitted against 
each of the others. The player who cuts the 
lowest card is the dealer; the player cutting the 
next lower card sits at the dealer’s left, and the 
third player at the dealer’s right. The cards 
are dealt in the usual manner; but the dummy 
hand remains untouched until the final decla¬ 
ration has been made. 

The dealer makes the first declaration, and 
the bidding advances as at Auction Bridge, 
except that the players facing each other are not 
partners. Each declaration is a personal bid. 

The player who obtains the final call, plays 
his hand and that of the dummy against the 
other two players, who, for that particular hand, 
become partners. 

When a player happens to be sitting opposite 
the final declarant, he must move into the vacant 
seat and play a partnership game against the 
declarant during that hand. 

118 


THREE-HANDED AUCTION 


119 


The dummy hand is not exposed until a lead 
has been made. 

The game is 30 points, and a rubber consists 
of four games; but when two games have been 
won by the same player, no others are played. 

When the declarant fulfils his contract, he 
scores as at Auction Bridge; but, should he 
fail, he loses to each adversary. 

The game score is identical with Auction; 
but each honour is credited to the player who 
holds it. 

A player holding one spade honour scores 2 points. 

“ two “ honours “ 4 “ 

“ “ “ three “ “ “ 6 “ 

“ “ “ four “ “ “ 16 “ 

“ “ “ five “ “ “ 20 “ 

The club, heart, and diamond honours are 
similarly scored at their increased values. 

At no-trump a player scores 10 points for 
each ace and 100 points for all four aces. 

One hundred points are scored by each player 
for each game won, and the winner of the rubber 
adds 250 points to his score. 

At the conclusion of the rubber the total 
scores obtained by each player are added sepa¬ 
rately, and each player wins from, or loses to, 
each other player the difference between his 
score and that of each other player. 





120 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


6 

Z 

a 

< 

x 

UJ 

> 

H—4 

H 

< 

H 

cO 

D 

□ 



m 

o 


O 

£ 

-4-> 

-Q 

-1-3 

O 

c3 

t-i 

•+3 

C 

O 

o 


cn 

tt> 

W 

O 


U 

_o 

c3 o 

E'O 

a gj 

bCx! 

+3 +-> 

* "3 

r « 

d 

I ® 

o 173 

O 0) 

-+3 —« 

s-. rt 

C3 rr« 

0J T; 

Q c 

w O 

.. o 

H & 

S w 

O o 
^ r 

Xfl H 


























ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


121 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 1 

The second player, after hearing the dealer’s 
“one no-trump” bid, is in a peculiar position. 
He has the choice of passing, of bidding “two 
no-trumps,” or of doubling. He is, of course, 
certain of seven tricks. A double might frighten 
the opponent into a declaration of “two hearts” 
or even “two diamonds.” He can pass and 
remain content to win the odd trick and 50 
points. 

The second player argues, however, that, at 
the score, the adversary will probably make an 
effort to win game, and that the call of a suit 
in which the opponent surely holds the ace 
would give the adversary sufficient confidence to 
increase his bid; that it is extremely unlikely 
that he will be left with a heart declaration and, 
should it be doubled, he could change to a “two 
no-trump” bid. 

The third player having the heart suit twice 
stopped, as well as some outside assistance, 
bids “two no-trumps” which the second player 
doubles, thus scoring 200 points for the defeated 
contract. 



122 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


6 

Z 

Q 

Z 

< 

X 


U3 

> 

< 

CC 

fe 

3 

mJ 



c3 

s 

a 

t£ 

c 

cS 


to 


o 

'C 


T3 

o 

>1 

3 

O 

*+-i 

to 

3 

£ 

t- 

CJ 

>> 

"5. 

TJ 


Score: Dealer 0 to 16 —Rubber game. 




















ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


123 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 2 

This hand illustrates the advisability of over¬ 
calling the partner with strong hearts and weak 
black suits. 

The question of an over-bid of the partner’s 
“one no-trump” call arises more particularly 
with heart than with diamond possibilities. At 
no-trump the dealer loses the odd trick; the 
second player opens with the 10 of spades, the 
fourth player wins the trick and leads a club. 
At a heart declaration, the third player scores 
game. 




124 AUCTION BRIDGE 



Score: 0 to 0—First game. 

The dealer leads and the fourth player wins ten tricks. 




























ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


125 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 3 

The second player frequently holds an other¬ 
wise strong no-trump hand lacking protection 
in the suit which the opponent has bid. If the 
hand is particularly strong, the second player 
should declare no-trump, provided he can lose 
four, five, or even six tricks in a suit and still 
fulfil his contract. On the other hand, if there 
be a likelihood that two suits are against him, 
he should invite his partner to declare no-trump 
by a bid of “two” in a strong black suit. 

A point which demands considerable thought 
is that a no-trump declaration frequently de¬ 
pends for success on the position of the decla¬ 
rant. Two strong hands may be defeated by the 
opening lead. For this reason a hand contain¬ 
ing but one guarded king may be a no-trumper 
—provided the partner has the balance of suit 
strength—and the declarant can win or surely 
stop the opponent’s lead. 

If the second player make the no-trump bid 
this hand shows a loss of the odd trick, and ten 
tricks and game if the declaration be made by 
the fourth player. 




ILLUSTRATIVE HAND No. 

FOUR HEARTS” OVER FO 


126 


AUCTION BRIDGE 



Score: Dealer 0 to 8 —First game. 

The second player leads and the dealer wins four odd tricks and game. 























ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


127 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 4 

The dealer’s “one-heart” bid is thoroughly 
sound. His hand is worth six tricks and is 
very much stronger at a heart than at a no-trump 
call, for which reason clubs are not mentioned. 

The second player’s “two-diamond” bid is 
sound. With this trump his hand is worth 
seven tricks. 

With four tricks the third player naturally 
increases his partner’s bid to “two hearts.” 

With a possible four tricks at a diamond dec¬ 
laration, the fourth player announces “three 
diamonds”; the dealer must allow his partner 
to continue the bidding and the “three hearts,” 
“four diamonds,” and “four hearts” come in 
their natural order. 

Had the third player not increased the con¬ 
tract to “four hearts” the opponents would 
have won the game at diamonds; and it is a 
curious fact that a “six” trick or a “little slam” 
diamond bid would have saved 26 points and 
the game; it would have lost the contract by 
but one trick but scored honours, and thus 
netted a loss of but 46 points instead of 72 
points and game. 

This hand illustrates a situation of frequent 
occurrence at Auction, where one side holds 
the heart suit and the other the diamonds, and 
shows the importance of bidding an extra heart 
trick when the adversaries have bid four dia¬ 
monds over a sound three-heart call. 




128 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


O 

Z 

O 

z 

< 

X 


UJ 


> 

►—H 

H 

< 

O' 

CO 




Score: Dealer 0 to 18 —Rubber game. 

The dealer leads and the fourth player loses his contract by two tricks. 
























ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


129 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 5 

The dealer has no bid other than “one spade.” 

The second player’s announcement is to the 
score. The diamond declaration being safer 
than a no-trump call. 

The third player’s “two-club” call is thor¬ 
oughly sound, and, in view of the dealer’s “one 
spade” opening, much safer than a heart bid. 

The fourth player, because of weakness in 
the diamond suit, must bid a heart. 

On the second round, the second player’s 
“two no-trump” call is an excellent bid. He 
holds protection in the club suit and his partner 
has indicated heart strength. 

An interesting situation confronts the third 
player; the loss of the rubber is almost certain, 
since the adversary’s no-trump bid shows pro¬ 
tection in the club suit. 

The dealer’s pass and the adversaries’ bids 
show the third player that his partner has a 
practically worthless hand. His one and only 
chance to save the situation is to double and, by 
so doing, lead the fourth player to believe that 
he holds the entire club suit and tempt him to 
make an increased heart declaration. 

The fourth player quite naturally bids “three 
hearts,” upon which the third player passes, fear¬ 
ing that a double would induce a change to the 
no-trump declaration. 




130 


AUCTION BRIDGE 



Score: 0 to 0 —First game. 

The dealer leads and the fourth player fulfils his contract. 













ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


131 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 6 

The fourth player is frequently compelled to 
over-bid his hand in order to indicate his suit; 
and very often this indication of a desired lead 
is the one and only chance to save the game. 
In this hand the heart bid obliges the adversary 
to discontinue the no-trump call. 

Had the fourth player not indicated heart 
suit, the leader would have opened a club, and 
the dealer would have won eleven tricks and 
game. As it is the heart declaration is allowed 
to stand and the contract is fulfilled. 





132 


AUCTION BRIDGE 




o 

z 

Q 

Z 

< 

X 


ui 


> 

<: 

h- 

cn 

D 





CO 

O 

‘E 

•+-< 

o 

£ 

+3 

O 

c3 

s-, 

a 

o 

o 


CD 

a> 

CD 

o 


s~ 

<D 


Score: Dealer 0 to 12—First game. 




















ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


133 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 7 

The dealer’s no-trump call is questionable. 
On account of the spade weakness, “one heart” 
is a sounder bid. The second player holds 
eight certain tricks and is sure to defeat the no- 
trump call; on the other hand, he is weak in 
hearts and diamonds and a double would warn 
the opponent to change to a two-red call. 
Therefore, the second player must pass. 



134 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


CO 

6 

Z 

Q 

Z 

< 

X 

ul 

> 

P 

< 

Qd 

H 

c n 

D 

u 



Score: 0 to 0—First game. 

The third player leads and the second player loses twelve tricks or 700 points. 


















ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


135 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 8 

When the dealer starts with a no-trump dec¬ 
laration and the adversary makes the mistake of 
calling “two” red with a weak hand, the third 
player has a golden opportunity to double. It 
is true that a “two no-trump” call would win 
game, but 700 points discounts the loss of the 
rubber and the player has an equal chance to 
win game on the following deal. 



136 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


O 

Z 

Q 

Z 

< 

X 


Ld 

> 

< 

cc: 

h 

c/o 

D 





Score: Dealer 18 to 12—First game. 

The second player leads and the dealer loses the odd trick and 200 points. 
















ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


137 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 9 

The dealer’s no-trump bid places the second 
player in a puzzling predicament; at the score 
an odd no-trump trick means game for the 
dealer. If he be induced to increase his con¬ 
tract the game may be saved. Because of the 
second player’s high-card heart strength a “two- 
heart” call would be apt to discourage a “two 
no-trump” bid; he, therefore, selects the dia¬ 
mond declaration. 

As the “two-diamond” call has been doubled, 
the second player resorts to a “two-heart” 
declaration. If that in turn be doubled he can 
further change to a “two no-trump” bid. 

The second player’s double of the dealer’s 
“two no-trump” call is sound. He holds five 
sure tricks which must at least restrict the dealer 
to his contract, and if the dealer fulfil his con¬ 
tract he must win game. 





138 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


O 

Z 

Q 

< 

X 

> 

H 

< 

QC 

H 

c/) 

D 



O 

s 

c3 

bfl 

C 

& 

m 

o 


"C 

T3 

O 

tH 

o 

U-l 

to 

C 


(h 

d 

o3 


Score: Dealer 0 to 0 —Rubber game. 























ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS 


139 


NOTES ON ILLUSTRATIVE 
HAND No. 10 

Many players hesitate to take the partner out 
of a double of an adverse bid. This hand 
is given to illustrate the conditions which ren¬ 
der the play advisable. They are shown in the 
dealer’s decision on the fourth round. His 
hand is probably worth two tricks, but the facts 
that he is void in hearts and weak in diamonds, 
and that his partner’s strength is in a precarious 
position, lead him to fear that the double may 
lose the game and rubber while, with his great 
support in the black suit, an increased no-trump 
declaration may win game. Therefore, the 
“three no-trump” bid is sound. Had the 
double been allowed to stand, the fourth player 
would have fulfilled the “three-heart” contract 
and won the rubber. 





THE LAWS OF THE GAME 


The basis of the American laws on Auction 
Bridge is the rules formed by a joint committee 
of the Portland and Bath Clubs of London. 
The changes which have been made in the 
American code are unimportant; the principal 
one being a lessened penalty for the revoke. 
This penalty has been reduced from 150 points 
for each revoke to 150 for the first and 100 points 
for each subsequent revoke. 

As the game of Auction is comparatively 
new, the laws in themselves are not as com¬ 
plete as they should be but undoubtedly, from 
time to time, this condition will be improved as 
it was in the older games of Whist and Bridge. 

There are two rules which should be incor¬ 
porated in the Auction Bridge laws. One to 
require a new deal in case any card is exposed 
during the deal. It should not be optional but 
compulsory. The tremendous bidding advan¬ 
tage which the knowledge of the position of a 
card may give seems too great a penalty for the 
dealer’s accidental exposure of a card. And this 
rule might be further simplified by not allowing 
players to look at their cards until the deal is 
complete. 


140 


THE LAWS OF THE GAME 


141 


The laws also do not specify the penalty to be 
enforced when a player leads before his part¬ 
ner has bid, nor when a lead is made before the 
opponent has had a chance to bid. Law 67 is 
probably intended to cover this situation but, if 
so, the penalty is all out of proportion to the 
offence committed. The call of a lead or the 
debarment of the offending player’s partner 
from further participation in the bidding would 
be adequate punishment. 

Again, Law 53 should clearly state that a 
player has the right to hear the previous bids, 
provided the final declaration has not been 
agreed upon. It is stated by inference, but it 
should not be merely implied. It is obvious 
that a player should have this right, since a 
slight disturbance or noise may cause him to 
lose his partner’s or an adversary’s declaration. 

There are several other rulings which should be 
more clearly defined, but no doubt time will sup¬ 
ply these shortcomings of the present Auction 
laws. 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE RUBBER 

1. The partners first winning two games win 
the rubber. If the first two games decide the 
rubber, the third is not played. 

SCORING 

2. A game consists of 30 points obtained by 
tricks alone, exclusive of any points counted for 
honours, chicane, slam, little slam, bonus or 
under-tricks. 

3. Every deal is played out, and any points 
in excess of the 30 necessary for the game are 
counted. 

4. When the declarant wins the number of 
tricks bid, each one above six counts toward 
the game; 2 points when spades are trumps, 4 
at clubs, 6 at diamonds, 8 at hearts, and 12 at 
no-trump. 

5. Honours are ace, king, queen, knave, and 
ten of the trump suit; or the aces when no- 
trump is declared. 

6. Honours are credited in the honour column 
to the original holders, being valued as follows: 

142 


THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 143 


TABLE OF TRICK AND 
HONOUR VALUES 


DECLARATION 

A 


♦ 

¥ 

NO 

TRUMP 

3 Honours. 

4 

8 

1 2 

1 6 

30 

4 “ . 

8 

1 6 
32 
24 
40 
36 
28 
20 

24 

32 

40 

4 “in one Hand. 

4 “ “ “ “ less Chicane ... 

4 “ “ “ “ plus Chicane. . . 

4 “ “ " “ 5th in Partner’s 

. i. it it it $ 5th in Partner’s ) 

’ \ less Chicane ) 

5 “ . 

1 6 

1 2 
20 

1 8 

1 4 

1 O 

48 

36 

60 

54 

42 

30 

64 

48 

80 

72 

56 

40 

1 OO 

5 “ in one Hand. 

5 “ “ “ “ less Chicane.. . 

5 “ “ “ “ plus Chicane . . 

Little Slam. 

20J 
1 6 
24 
20 

40 

32 

48 

20 

60 

48 

72 

20 

80 

64 

96 

20 

20 

G ran d Slam. 

40 

40 

40 

40 

40 

Chicane . 

4 

8 

1 2 

1 6 

Double Chicane. 

8 

1 6 

24 

32 



7. A grand slam is made when seven tricks 
are scored independently of tricks taken as 
penalty for the revoke; it adds 40 points to the 
honour count. 

8. Little slam is made when six tricks are 
similarly scored; it adds 20 points to the honour 
count. 

9. Chicane (one hand void of trumps) is 
equal in value to simple honours, i. e., if the 
partners, one of whom has chicane, score hon¬ 
ours, it adds the value of three honours to their 
honour score; if the adversaries score honours 
it deducts that value from their honour count. 























144 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Double chicane (both hands void of trumps) is 
equal in value to four honours, and that amount 
must be deducted from the honour score of the 
adversaries. 

10. The value of honours, slam, little slam, 
or chicane is not affected by a double or a re¬ 
double. 

11. At the conclusion of a rubber, the trick 
and honour scores of each side are added; and 
an extra 250 points are given to the winners. 
The difference between the completed scores is 
the number of points of the rubber. 

12. A proven error in the honour score may 
be corrected at any time before the score of the 
rubber has been made up and agreed upon. 

13. A proven error in the trick score may be 
corrected prior to the conclusion of the game in 
which it occurred. Such game shall not be con¬ 
sidered concluded until a declaration has been 
made in the following game, or, if it be the final 
game of the rubber, until the score has been 
made up and agreed upon. 

CUTTING 

14. In cutting, the ace is the lowest card; as 
between cards of otherwise equal value, the 
lowest is the heart, next the diamond, next the 
club, and highest the spade. 

15. Every player must cut from the same 
pack. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


145 


16. Should a player expose more than one 
card, the highest is his cut. 

FORMING TABLES 

17. The prior right to play is with those first 
in the room. If there be more than four candi¬ 
dates, the privilege of playing is decided by cut¬ 
ting. The four who cut the lowest cards play 
the first rubber. 

18. After the table is formed the players cut 
to decide upon partners, the lower two playing 
against the higher two. The lowest is the 
dealer who has the choice of cards and seats, 
and who, having made his selection, must abide 
by it. 

19. Six players constitute a complete table. 

20. The right to succeed any player who 
may retire is acquired by announcing the desire 
to do so, and such announcement shall con¬ 
stitute a prior right to the first vacancy. 

CUTTING OUT 

21. If, at the end of a rubber, admission be 
claimed by one or two candidates, the player or 
players having played the greatest number of 
consecutive rubbers shall withdraw; but when 
all have played the same number, they must 
cut to decide upon the outgoers—the highest 
are out. 





146 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


RIGHTS OF ENTRY 

22. A candidate desiring to enter a table 
must declare such wish before any player at 
the table cuts a card, for the purpose either of 
beginning a new rubber or of cutting out. 

23. In the formation of new tables, those can¬ 
didates who have not played at any other table 
have the prior right of entry. Those who have 
already played decide their right to admission 
by cutting. 

24. When one or more players belonging to 
another table aid in making up a new one, the 
new players at such table shall be the first to go 
out. 

25. A player who cuts into one table, while 
belonging to another, shall forfeit his prior 
right of re-entry into the latter, unless he has 
helped to form a new table. In this event he 
may signify his intention of returning to his 
original table when his place at the new one 
can be filled. 

26. Should any player quit the table during 
the progress of a rubber, he may, with the con¬ 
sent of the other three, appoint a substitute to 
play during his absence; but such appointment 
shall become void at the conclusion of that rub¬ 
ber and shall not in any way affect the substi¬ 
tute’s rights. 

27. If any one break up a table, the remaining 
players have a prior right at other tables. 





THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 147 


SHUFFLING 

28. The pack must not be shuffled below the 
table nor so that the face of any card may be 
seen. 

29. The dealer’s partner must collect the 
cards from the preceding deal and has the 
first right to shuffle the cards. Each player 
has the right to subsequently shuffle. The 
dealer has the right to shuffle last; but, should 
a card or cards be seen during the shuffling, or 
while giving the pack to be cut, he must re¬ 
shuffle. 

30. After shuffling, the cards, properly col¬ 
lected, must be placed face downward to the 
left of the next dealer. 

THE DEAL 

31. Each player deals in his turn; the order 
of dealing is to the left. 

32. The player on the dealer’s right cuts the 
pack, and in dividing it he must leave not fewer 
than four cards in each packet; if in cutting or 
in replacing one of the two packets a card be 
exposed, or if there be any confusion or a doubt 
as to the exact place in which the pack was 
divided, there must be a fresh cut. 

33. When the player whose duty it is to cut 
has once separated the pack, he can neither 





148 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


re-shuffle nor re-cut, except as provided in 
Law 32. 

34. Should the dealer shuffle the cards after 
the cut, the pack must be re-cut. 

35. The fifty-two cards shall be dealt face 
downward. The deal is not completed until 
the last card has been dealt. 

36. There is no penalty for a misdeal. The 
cards must be re-dealt. 


A NEW DEAL 

37. There must be a new deal: 

A. If the cards be not dealt into four 

packets, one at a time and in regular 
rotation, beginning at the dealer’s 
left. 

B. If, during a deal or during the play, the 

pack be proven incorrect or imperfect. 

C. If any card be faced in the pack. 

D. If any player have dealt to him a greater 

number of cards than thirteen, 
whether discovered before or during 
the play. 

E. If the dealer deal two cards at once and 

then deal a third before correcting 
the error. 

F. If the dealer omit to have the pack cut and 

either adversary calls attention to the 
fact prior to the completion of the 
deal, and before either adversary has 
looked at any of his cards. 

G. If the last card does not come in its regu¬ 

lar order to the dealer. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 149 


38. There may be a new deal: 

A. If the dealer or his partner expose a card 

before the deal has been completed. 
Either adversary may claim a new 
deal. 

B. If either adversary expose a card before 

the deal has been completed. The 
dealer or his partner may claim a new 
deal. 

C. If before fifty-one cards are dealt, the 

dealer look at any card, his adversaries 
have the right to see it and either may 
exact a new deal. 

D. If, in dealing, one of the last cards be ex¬ 

posed by the dealer or his partner 
and the deal be completed before 
there is reasonable time for either 
adversary to decide as to a new deal. 
In all other cases such penalties must 
be claimed prior to the completion of 
the deal. 

39. The claim for a new deal by reason of a 
card exposed during the deal may not be made 
by a player who has looked at any of his cards. 
If the deal stand, a card so exposed cannot be 
called. 

40. Should three players have their right 
number of cards, the fourth, less than thirteen, 
and not discover such deficiency until he has 
played, the deal stands; he, not being dummy, 
is answerable for any established revoke he 
may have made as if the missing card or cards 
had been in his hand. Any player may search 
the other pack for it or them. 



150 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


41. If, during the play, a pack be proven 
incorrect or imperfect, such proof renders the 
current deal void but does not affect any prior 
score. (See Law 37b.) If, during or at the 
conclusion of the play, one player be found to 
hold more than the proper number of cards and 
another have an equal number less, the hand is 
void. 

42. A player dealing out of turn or with the 
adversaries’ cards, may be corrected before the 
last card is dealt; otherwise the deal must stand 
and the game proceed as if the deal had been 
correct. 

43. A player can neither cut, shuffle nor deal 
for his partner without the permission of his 
adversaries. 

DECLARING TRUMPS 

44. The dealer, having examined his hand, 
must declare to win at least one odd trick, 
either with a trump suit or at no-trumps. 

45. After the dealer has made his declaration, 
each player in turn, commencing with the player 
on the dealer’s left, has the right to pass, to make 
a higher declaration, to double the last declara¬ 
tion made, or to re-double a declaration which 
has been doubled, subject to the provisions of 
Law 55. 

46. A declaration of a greater number of 
tricks in a suit of lower value, which equals the 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 151 


last declaration in value of points, shall be con¬ 
sidered a higher declaration, e. g., a declaration 
of “two spades” is a higher declaration than 
“one club,” and “two diamonds” is higher 
than “one no-trump.” 

47. A player in his turn may over-bid the pre¬ 
vious declaration any number of .times, and he 
may also over-bid his partner, but he cannot 
over-bid his own declaration which has been 
passed by the other three players. 

48. When the final declaration has been made 
— i. e., when the last declaration has been 
passed by the other three players—the player 
who has made such declaration (or, in the case 
where both partners have made declarations in 
the same suit or of “no-trumps,” the player 
who first made such declaration) shall play the 
combined hands of himself and of his partner, 
the latter becoming dummy. 

1 49. When the player of the two hands (here¬ 
inafter termed the “declarant”) wins at least as 
many tricks as he declared to do, he scores the 
full value of the tricks won (see Laws 4 and 6). 
When he fails, his adversaries score in the 
honour column 50 points for each under-trick, 
i. e., each trick short of the number declared; 
or, if the declaration have been doubled or re¬ 
doubled, 100 or 200, respectively, for each such 
trick, neither the declarer nor his adversaries 
score anything toward the game. 

50. The loss on the declaration of “one 





152 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


spade” shall be limited to 100 points in respect 
of under-tricks, whether doubled or not, unless 
re-doubled. 

51. If a player make a declaration (other than 
passing) out of turn, the adversary on his left 
may demand a new deal or may allow the 
declaration so made to stand, when the bidding 
shall continue as if the declaration had been 
in order. 

52. If a player, in bidding, fail to declare a 
sufficient number of tricks to over-bid the pre¬ 
vious declaration, he shall be considered to have 
declared the requisite number of tricks in the 
bid which he has made, unless either of his 
adversaries make a higher declaration, double, 
or pass the insufficient declaration. When the 
insufficient declaration is corrected to the requi¬ 
site number of tricks in the bid, or, if the correc¬ 
tion be impossible, the partner of the declarant 
shall be debarred from making any further 
declaration, unless either of his adversaries 
make a higher declaration or double. 

53. After the final declaration has been made, 
a player is not entitled to give his partner any 
information as to a previous declaration, whether 
made by himself or by an adversary, but a 
player is entitled to inquire, at any time during 
the play of the hand, what was the final declara¬ 
tion. 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 153 


DOUBLING AND REDOUBLING 

54. The effect of doubling and re-doubling is 
that the value of each trick over six is doubled 
or quadrupled, as provided in Law 4; but it 
does not alter the value of a declaration, e. g., 
a declaration of “two diamonds” is higher than 
“one no-trump” although the no-trump decla¬ 
ration has been doubled. 

55. A player cannot double his partner’s 
declaration nor re-double his partner’s double, 
but he may re-double a declaration of his 
partner which has been doubled by an ad¬ 
versary. 

56. The act of doubling, or re-doubling, re¬ 
opens the bidding. When a declaration has 
been doubled or re-doubled, any player, includ¬ 
ing the declarant or his partner, can, in his 
proper turn, make a further declaration of 
higher value. 

57. When a player, whose declaration has 
been doubled, makes good his declaration by 
winning at least the declared number of tricks, 
he scores a bonus which consists of 50 points 
in the honour column for winning the number 
of tricks declared and a further 50 points for 
each additional trick he may win. If he or his 
partner have re-doubled, the bonus is doubled. 

58. If a player double out of turn, the adver¬ 
sary at his left may demand a new deal. 






154 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


59. When the final declaration has been made 
the play shall begin, and the player on the left 
of the declarer shall lead. 

60. A declaration once made cannot be al¬ 
tered, unless it has been doubled or a higher 
declaration made. 


DUMMY 

61. As soon as the eldest hand has led, the 
declarant’s partner shall place his cards face 
upward on the table, and the duty of playing 
the cards from that hand shall devolve upon the 
declarant. 

62. Before placing his cards upon the table 
the declarant’s partner has all the rights of a 
player, but after so doing takes no part what¬ 
ever in the play except that he has the right: 

A. To ask the declarant whether he has any 

of a suit which he may have re¬ 
nounced; 

B. To call the declarant’s attention to the 

fact that too many or too few cards 
have been played to a trick; 

C. To correct the claim of either adversary 

to a penalty to which he is not en¬ 
titled; 

D. To call attention to the fact that a trick 

has been erroneously taken by either 
side; 

E. To participate in the discussion of any 

disputed question of fact after it has 
arisen between the declarant and 
either adversary; 

F. To correct an erroneous score. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 155 


63. Should the declarant’s partner call at¬ 
tention to any other incident of the play in con¬ 
sequence of which any penalty might have been 
exacted, the declarant is precluded from exact¬ 
ing such penalty. 

64. If the declarant’s partner, by touching a 
card or otherwise, suggest the play of a card 
from dummy, either adversary may, without 
consultation, call upon the declarant to play or 
not to play the card suggested. 

65. Dummy is not liable to the penalty for a 
revoke; if he revoke and the error be not dis¬ 
covered until the trick is turned and quitted, 
the trick must stand. 

66. A card from the declarant’s own hand is 
not played until actually quitted; but should 
he name or touch a card in the dummy, such 
card is considered as played unless he, in touch¬ 
ing the card, say, “I arrange,” or words to that 
effect. If he simultaneously touch two or more 
such cards, he may elect which one to play. 

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY 

67. If, after the cards have been dealt, and 
before the trump declaration has been finally 
determined, any player expose a card from his 
hand, either adversary may demand a new deal. 
If the deal be allowed to stand, the exposed 
card may be picked up, and cannot be called. 

68. If, after the final declaration has been 



156 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


accepted and before a card is led, the partner 
of the player who has to lead to the first trick 
expose a card from his hand, the declarant may, 
instead of calling the card, require the leader 
not to open that suit. 

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY 

69. All cards exposed after the original lead 
are liable to be called, and such cards must be 
left face upward on the table. 

70. The following are exposed cards: 

First.—Two or more cards played at once. 

Second.—Any card dropped with its face 
upward on the table, even though 
snatched up so quickly that it can¬ 
not be named. 

Third.—Any card so held by a player that 
his partner sees any portion of its 
face. 

Fourth.—Any card mentioned by either 
adversary as being held by him or 
his partner. 

71. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere 
below the table, or so held that an adversary 
but not the partner sees it, is not an exposed 
card. 

72. If two or more cards be played at once 
by either of the declarant’s adversaries, the 
declarant shall have the right to call any one of 
such cards to the current trick, and the other 
card or cards exposed. 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 157 


73. If, without waiting for his partner to play, 
either of the declarant’s adversaries play on the 
table the best card or lead one which is a win¬ 
ning card, as against the declarant and dummy, 
and continue (without waiting for his partner 
to play) to lead several such cards, the declarant 
may demand that the partner of the player in 
fault win, if he can, the first or any other of 
these tricks, and the other cards thus improp¬ 
erly played are exposed cards. 

74. If either or both of the declarant’s adver¬ 
saries throw his or their cards on the table face 
upward, such cards are exposed and are liable 
to be called; but if either adversary retain his 
hand he cannot be forced to abandon it. Cards 
exposed by the declarant are not liable to be 
called. If the declarant say, “I have the rest,” 
or any other words indicating that the remain¬ 
ing tricks or any number thereof are his, he 
may be required to place his cards face upward 
on the table. His adversaries are not liable to 
have any of their cards called should they there¬ 
upon expose them. 

75. If a player who has rendered himself 
liable to have the highest or lowest of a suit 
called (Laws 82, 88, and 95) fail to play as 
directed, or if, when called on to lead one suit 
he lead another, having in his hand one or more 
cards of the suit demanded (Laws 76 and 96), 
or if, called upon to win or lose a trick, he fail 
to do so when he can (Laws 73, 82, and 95), he 




158 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


is liable to the penalty for revoke, unless such 
play be corrected before the trick is turned and 
quitted. 


LEADS OUT OF TURN 

76. If either of the declarant’s adversaries 
lead out of turn, the declarant may either treat 
the card so led as an exposed card, or may call 
a suit as soon as it is the turn of either adversary 
to lead. 

77. If the declarant lead out of turn, either 
from his own hand or from dummy, he incurs 
no penalty; but he may not rectify the error 
after the second hand has played. 

78. If any player lead out of turn and the 
other three follow, the trick is complete and the 
error cannot be rectified; but if only the second, 
or second 'and third play to the false lead, their 
cards may be taken back; there is no penalty 
against any except the original offender, who, 
if he be one of the declarant’s adversaries, may 
be penalised as provided in Law 76. 

79. A player cannot be compelled to play a 
card which would oblige him to revoke. 

80. The call of an exposed card may be re¬ 
peated until such card has been played. 

81. If a player called on to lead a suit have 
none of it, the penalty is paid. 





THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


159 


CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR 

82. Should the fourth hand, not being dummy 
or declarant, play before the second, the latter 
may be called upon to play his highest or lowest 
card of the suit played or to win or lose the 
trick. 

83. If any one, not being dummy, omit play¬ 
ing to a trick and such error be not corrected 
until he has played to the next, the adversaries 
or either of them may claim a new deal; should 
they decide that the deal is to stand, the surplus 
card at the end of the hand is considered to 
have been played to the imperfect trick, but 
does not constitute a revoke therein. 

84. If any one, except dummy, play two or 
more cards to the same trick and the mistake 
be not corrected, he is answerable for any con¬ 
sequent revokes he may have made. If during 
the play the error be detected, the tricks may be 
counted face downward, to see if any contain 
more than four cards; should this be the case, 
the trick which contains a surplus card or cards 
may be examined and the card or cards restored 
to the original holder, who (not being dummy) 
shall be liable for any revoke he may meanwhile 
have made. 




160 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THE REVOKE 

85. A revoke occurs when a player, other 
than dummy, holding one or more cards of the 
suit led, plays a card of a different suit. It 
becomes an established revoke if the trick in 
which it occurs be turned and quitted ( i . e., the 
hand removed from the trick after it has been 
turned face downward on the table); or if 
either the revoking player or his partner, whether 
in turn or otherwise, lead or play to the follow¬ 
ing trick. 

86. The penalty for each established revoke 
shall be: 

A. When the declarant revokes, his adver¬ 

saries add 150 points to their score 
in the honour column in addition to 
any penalty which he may have in¬ 
curred for not making good his 
declaration. 

B. If either of the adversaries revoke, the 

declarant may either add 150 points 
to his score in the honour column or 
may take three tricks from his oppo¬ 
nents and add them to his own. 
Such tricks may assist the declarant 
to make good his contract, but shall 
not entitle him to score any bonus 
in the honour column, in the case of 
the declaration having been doubled 
or re-doubled. 

C. When more than one revoke is made 

during the play of the hand, the 
penalty for each revoke after the first 
shall be 100 points in the honour 
column. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


161 


A revoking side cannot score, except honours 
and chicane. 

87. A player may ask his partner if he have 
a card of the suit which he has renounced; 
should the question be asked before the trick is 
turned and quitted, subsequent turning and 
quitting does not establish a revoke; and the 
error may be corrected unless the question be 
answered in the negative, or unless the revoking 
player or his partner has led or played to the 
following trick. 

88. If a player correct his mistake in time to 
save a revoke, any player who has followed 
him may withdraw his card and substitute an¬ 
other, and the cards so withdrawn are not liable 
to be called. If the player in fault be one of 
the declarant’s adversaries, the card played in 
error is exposed, and the declarant may call 
it whenever he pleases or he may require the 
offender to play his highest or lowest card of 
the suit to the trick. 

89. If the player in fault be the declarant, 
the eldest hand may require him to play the 
highest or lowest card of the suit in which he 
has renounced, provided both of the adversaries 
have played to the current trick; but this pen¬ 
alty cannot be exacted from the declarant when 
he is fourth in hand, nor can it ever be enforced 
from dummy. 

90. At the end of a hand the claimants of a 
revoke may sea/ch all the tricks. If the cards 




162 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


have been mixed, the claim may be urged and 
if possible proven; but no proof is necessary 
and the claim is established if, after it has been 
made, the accused player or his partner mix the 
cards before they have been sufficiently ex¬ 
amined by the adversaries. 

91. A revoke must be claimed before the 
cards have been cut for the following deal. 

92. Should both sides revoke, the only score 
permitted shall be for honours or chicane. If 
one side revoke more than once, the penalty of 
100 points for each extra revoke shall then be 
scored by the other side. 

GENERAL RULES 

93. There must not be any consultation be¬ 
tween partners as to the enforcement of penal¬ 
ties. If they do so consult, the penalty is paid. 

94. Once a trick is complete, turned and 
quitted, it must not be looked at (except under 
Law 84) until the end of the hand. 

95. Any player during the play of a trick or 
after the four cards are played, and before they 
are touched for the purpose of gathering them 
together, may demand that the cards be placed 
before their respective players. 

96. If either of the declarant’s adversaries, 
prior to his partner’s playing, call attention to 
the trick, either by saying it is his, or by naming 
his card or drawing it toward him without 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


163 


being requested so to do, the declarant may 
require such partner to play his highest or low¬ 
est card of the suit led, or to win or lose the 
trick. 

97. Either of the declarant’s adversaries may 
call his partner’s attention to the fact that he is 
about to play or lead out of turn; but if, during 
the play of a hand, he make any unauthorised 
reference to any incident of the play, or to any 
bid previously made, the declarant may call a 
suit from the adversary whose turn it is next to 
lead. 

98. In all cases where a penalty has been 
incurred, the offender is bound to give reason¬ 
able time for the decision of his adversaries; 
but if a wrong penalty be demanded none can 
be enforced. 

99. Where the declarant or his partner has 
incurred a penalty, one of his adversaries may 
say, “Partner, will you exact the penalty or 
shall I?” but whether this is said or not, if 
either adversary name the penalty, his decision 
is final. 

NEW CARDS 

100. Unless a pack be imperfect, no player 
shall have the right to call for one new pack. 
If fresh cards be demanded, two packs must be 
furnished. If they be produced during a rub¬ 
ber, the adversaries shall have the choice of the 




164 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


new cards. If it be the beginning of a new rub¬ 
ber, the dealer, whether he or one of his adver¬ 
saries be the party calling for the new cards, 
shall have the choice. New cards must be 
called for before the pack is cut for a new deal. 

101. A card or cards torn or marked must 
be replaced by agreement or new cards fur¬ 
nished. 

BY-STANDERS 

102. While a by-stander, by agreement among 
the players, may decide any question, he must 
on no account say anything unless appealed to; 
and if he make any remark which calls atten¬ 
tion to an oversight affecting the score, or to 
the exaction of a penalty, he is liable to be 
called upon by the players to pay the stakes 
(not extras) lost. 



THE LAWS OF THREE-HANDED 
AUCTION BRIDGE 


The laws are the same as those of Auction 
Bridge, except as varied by the following: 

1. The game is played by three players, all 
against all; the table being complete with four 
players. 

2. The player who cuts the lowest card has 
the first deal; the player cutting the next lowest 
card sits on the dealer’s left, and the remaining 
player on the dealer’s right. The cards are 
dealt as at Auction Bridge, but the cards dealt 
to dummy are not taken up until after the final 
declaration has been made. If, whilst dealing, 
a card be exposed, there must be a new deal. 

3. The dealer makes his declaration, and the 
bidding continues as at Auction Bridge, except 
that the players sitting opposite each other are 
not partners, and their declarations are on their 
own account. There shall be no new deal on 
account of a player making a declaration out 
of turn, but the player so offending shall forfeit 
50 points to each of the players; the right to 
declare remaining with the player whose turn 
it was to make a declaration. The player mak- 

165 


166 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ing the final declaration ( i . e., the declaration 
that has been passed by the other two players) 
plays his own hand and that of dummy against 
the other two players, who then, and for that 
particular hand, become partners. If one of 
the players happen to be sitting opposite the 
declarant, he must move into the vacant seat at 
the table, thereby facing the player who becomes 
his partner for that hand. 

4. If, after the deal has been completed and 
before a card is led, any player expose a card 
from his hand, he shall forfeit 100 points to 
each of the other players; and the declarant— 
if he be not the offender—may call upon the 
eldest hand not to lead from the suit of the 
exposed card. If he does not exercise this right, 
the card must be left on the table as an exposed 
card. If the card be exposed by the declarant 
after the final declaration has been made, there 
is no penalty. 

5. If a player double out of turn, he forfeits 
100 points to each of his adversaries, and the 
player whose declaration has been so doubled 
shall have the right to say whether or not the 
double shall stand. The bidding is then re¬ 
sumed; but if the double has been disallowed, 
the said declaration cannot be doubled by the 
player on the right of the offender. 

6. The rubber consists of four games; but 
when two games have been won by the same 
player, the other or others are not played. 





LAWS OF THREE-HANDED AUCTION BRIDGE 167 


7. When the declarant makes good his decla¬ 
ration, he scores as at Auction Bridge; when 
he fails to do so, he loses to each of his adver¬ 
saries. 

8. The scoring is the same as at Auction 
Bridge, except with regard to honours, which 
are scored by each player severally, i. e., each 
player who has one honour in spades scores 
2; each player having two honours in spades 
scores 4; a player holding three honours in 
spades scores 6; a player holding four honours 
in spades scores 16; and a player holding five 
honours in spades scores 20, and similarly for 
the other suits. In a no-trump declaration, aces 
count 10 each; and if all four be held by one 
player, 100. 

9. One hundred points are scored by each 
player for every game he wins, and the winner 
of the rubber adds a further 250 points to his 
score. 

10. At the conclusion of the rubber, the total 
scores obtained by each player are added up 
separately, and each player wins from, or loses 
to, each other player the difference between his 
score and that of the said other player. 




ETIQUETTE OF AUCTION BRIDGE 


A code is compiled for the purpose of suc¬ 
cinctly stating laws and for fixing penalties for 
an offence. To offend against a rule of etiquette 
is far more serious than to offend against a law; 
for, while in the latter case the offender is sub¬ 
ject to the prescribed penalties, in the former his 
adversaries have no redress except, perhaps, a 
refusal to continue the play. 

1. Declarations should be made in a simple 
manner, thus: “one heart,” “one no-trump,” 
“no,” “no more,” or “I pass,” or “I double.” 

2. Aside from his legitimate declarations, a 
player should not give any indication by look, 
word, or gesture as to the nature of his hand or 
as to his pleasure or displeasure at a play, a 
bid, or a double. Therefore, mannerisms can¬ 
not be too carefully avoided. 

3. Cultivate uniformity; let there be no re¬ 
markable haste or hesitation in bidding or pass¬ 
ing; try always to use the same formula of words, 
and do not call attention to the score after the 
cards have been dealt. 

4. If a player demand that the cards be 
placed, he should do so for his own information 
and not to call his partner’s attention to any 
card or play. 


168 


ETIQUETTE OF AUCTION BRIDGE 169 


5. No player, other than the declarant, should 
lead until the preceding trick is turned and 
quitted, nor, after having led a winning card, 
should he draw another from his hand before 
his partner has played to the current trick. 

6. A player should not play a card with such 
emphasis as to draw attention to it, nor should 
he detach one card from his hand and subse¬ 
quently play another. 

7. A player should not purposely incur a 
penalty because he is willing to pay it, nor 
should he make a second revoke to conceal a 
first. 

8. Players should avoid discussion and re¬ 
frain from talking during the play, as it may 
be annoying to players at the table or to those 
at other tables in the room. 

9. The dummy should not leave his seat for 
the purpose of watching his partner’s play; 
neither should he call attention to the score nor 
to any card or cards that he or the other players 
hold, nor to any bid previously made. 

10. If the declarant say, “1 have the rest,” 
or any words indicating the remaining tricks 
are his, and one or both of the other players 
should expose his or their cards, or request the 
declarant to play out the hand, he should not 
allow any information so obtained to influence 
his play nor take any finesse not announced by 
him at the time of making such claim, unless it 
had been previously proven to be a winner. 



170 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


11. It is often difficult to refrain from show¬ 
ing pleasure at the accomplishment of a desired 
purpose, but undue elation is most aggravating 
to the adversaries. 

12. Do not make a dig at the adversaries by 
confiding to your partner that your success was 
due to an ill-judged play of the opponent. 

13. It is not good form to complain of poor 
cards, as you imply that the adversaries profit by 
your weak hands and not by their skill. 

14. The better players rarely criticise unless 
asked to do so; it is usually the inexperienced 
player who offers an astonishing amount of gra¬ 
tuitous and unsought-for advice. 

15. Do not tell your partner, after seeing all the 
cards, what he should have done, but think what 
you would have done in your partner’s place. 
Do not criticise at all, but if you must, criticise 
fairly. 






























































































































































































































* 




































& 


























































































« 
























































































U fij 











































///' 



.^: 


7* 



4 



i ; i 


f 1 -4 

dy 

i' 

|| 


4 





as 



# 


4 1 ■ 



mm 


* 

Jl# 




* 


4 

ilflfl 




11*^1 £ 

4 


4'" 


n 


41SK 

4. 


* 

iijf 


4 "... ’ 4 


ip 


; 4" 

w4wil 





n 

Ofel 

'4' 


•p 


rm^\ 1//^ 

m 


|| 

I#! 


' :, '4 


4- 


'•f* 



m 



|| 


ip 


II 


||Sm 

II 





"4*' -'.'' 4* 


ip 


it 

«!■ 


m 



1 

IMm 

4 : 


4' 





il 



ffe» 


li 


it 



li 


l*f| 

II 

A. 

ife 


4 





m 



fRpji 


it 

*' 


A 



|| 



p 

C3K) 

jlL-. 


n 



- 


p 

^||| 






A 

- wjlj 


f 



* 

ii r~wiT-4j: ~ 

l\^ST' j /yV 

•#- 


At 


// 

im 


w 

t 




it 


4- 



it 



ip 

r -' 1 1 /V; 

A 


4 






mm 




4fc 


4 



ife 


Wmm 


iMM/f 

4 


At 


ife 

4 


* 

; :, ♦ 


iP^' (1 




4 

SlllSi 


A 



,, 


4 


it 



W< 



fMi 




4 


it 

tr! 4" : : 4 




|Pj 

|fe 


4 


|| 


Hf 



; 4* : 

If* 


#\ ■ ,, #s 

$ / ' ’«> 
■V '.:#: 

p 


.4 

f|§ 


4 


iKi 

■f" 


4 


|| 



m 


iv 

IPI 




|fc 








4- 

\m 

ife 


A 




























































































































